Episode 838 World Conference: Verden (4)
As the Chairman of the World Council, the Provider officially declared that the ownerless land was the exclusive domain of Eon. It was particularly encouraging that there was absolutely no opposition to this.
It was the first time in the history of the World Conference that a conclusion was reached by unanimous decision since the end of the Interspecies War and the establishment of the representative system.
Everything has been smooth so far.
Verden clinked wine glasses with Adrian, appearing satisfied with the voting results. It was a simple toast.It wouldn’t be too late to raise a proper toast after everything had been wrapped up well.
Verden tasted the Magnus Bank red wine and examined the Mauler.
Mauler remained deep in thought, his arms still crossed. He appeared to show more skepticism about the current situation than anger.
Is it really because it was an unexpected counterattack?
Then again, they probably couldn’t have predicted that the controversy over the Anti-Demon Tower using the Society would be completely buried by the First Demon Tower.
However, how he obtained the Society’s information is a separate matter.
I looked back on the World Conference and the Pledge of Truth.
King Su was convinced that he had killed Mauler, but Mauler, who had fallen down a dizzying cliff, survived with the help of ‘someone’.
If Mauler, who has a bold personality, goes to such lengths to hide his identity, he must be someone who absolutely must not be revealed to the outside world.
Who on earth could it be?
To think that a being capable of healing a transcendent being, whose homeostasis has even been shattered, at the very bottom of a cliff so deep that the Water King himself referred to it as the Abyss?
There must have been a cause and effect somewhere.
Thinking about it rationally… it is highly likely that someone was intentionally waiting, knowing that the decisive battle between the Beast King and Mauler would take place and predicting that Mauler would be defeated.
It is possible that he handed over the Society’s secrets. I do not know the reason or method right now, but that is my hunch for now.
That’s something to keep in mind.
The world is intricately woven with a certain intention, whether known or unknown. As long as the concept of fate exists, coincidence is bound to be extremely rare.Invisible, transparent spiderwebs are laid out everywhere.
Verden was wary not only of Mauler’s background but also of his military prowess.Unlike the High Priest and Ishur, who were merely high-ranking members of the Tuhar Creed, Mauler had overcome adversity while treading the line between life and death.
Putting aside the hostile relationship, not letting one’s guard down or underestimating him was the best course of action for Eon and a sign of respect for him as a transcendent being.
Then, Reindel spoke politely.
“I congratulate you on having your territory recognized. So, can we now share the secrets you have obtained?”
Even Darkwarton, the Master of the Magic Tower, was showing interest as if to show off. The others made even less effort to hide their curiosity.
“…….”
Mauler, who had previously politically attacked Verden, was no exception.The magic master who had secretly colluded with Mauler suppressed his somewhat troubled mind and made an effort to listen to matters related to the First Magic Tower.
The Provider personally presided over the procedure.
“Verden, will you disclose the information?”
To an outsider, it might have sounded like a mere inquiry… but to Verden, it was interpreted as a powerful warning and advice that ‘if you go any further, there is no turning back.’
To this, Verden replied.
You have to keep your promise.
Verden expressed his determination, saying, “It has already been a long time since it moved forward.” The flow had shifted. The Provider nodded in silence.
The Executor, who was still calculating Verden’s scheme that the Provider had noticed, mumbled and carefully bit the inside of his mouth.
I’m anxious.
It feels like they are about to commit some monstrous act. We must stop them, but there is no clear justification. Furthermore, we haven’t even grasped exactly what Verden intends to achieve through the World Conference.
A strange tension hangs in the air.
The Agent felt as if he were standing there blankly before a massive tidal wave crashing right in front of him. However, the Provider merely stood by and did nothing, which was frustrating to watch.
Verden stepped onto the stage again.
The sound of swallowing and catching one’s breath brushed past my ears. The gaze urging me to explain stung like the summer sun.
Eventually, a koan quietly tossed out awakened the silent lake.
Do you guys believe in fate?
The final theme of the world conference was ‘Destiny’.
* * *
Lennon Bernard, the appraiser invited by the Iderat Federation President, spoke at the beginning of the meeting.
Do you believe in prophecy?
Lennon went on to mention the name of Baaren Moru, a prophet who lived about four centuries ago, along with the three poems and books of prophecy he wrote:the attack of the Red Dragon, Magras, and even the mysterious theme of the Great Foot.
As a result… it was determined that the location of the Dragon Sword, Magras, would be revealed in the Inland Sea of Hiaremar on the day of the annular solar eclipse.At the World Conference, a sub-agenda was proposed on this topic, and the organization of an exploration team was scheduled.
And Emperor Zeracl replied in the Pledge of Truth that the prophecy that dragons would one day fly in and burn this land was the impetus for the conquest of the Demon Realm.
These future predictions are based on fatalistic theories. Fatalism. Even if one does not believe in fate, the concept exists.The astrology and card divination that still remain today served as evidence, if anything.
“If it is fate, is it a prophecy again?”
Grand Duke Rivandale rested his elbows on the Senate table and pressed his hands against his temples. It was the third time the same subject had appeared, following Lennon Bernard and Emperor Xeracle, but the weight of it was distinctly different.
It was the prestige of the first Tower Master acknowledged by the Tower Master of Lefragium. Moreover, to think it was information obtained from the previous first Tower Master…Whatever it was, the priority was to listen properly and make a judgment first.
The oath taker asks.
“What kind of prophecy is it this time? Judging by the fact that they hinted it couldn’t be left unmentioned at the World Conference, it doesn’t seem like an ordinary topic. Well, surely it isn’t a prediction of the end of the world.”“That would depend on how one responds to the prophecy.”
The air tensed as if a blade had suddenly pierced through the back. The possibility of destruction? It was an issue that could not be taken lightly.
Verden immediately got straight to the point.
“At the height of the Bloodcry Plague’s spread, I conversed with the will of the four Kirondar who founded the Hierarchical Magic System and the First Tower, specifically their foremost, ‘Tellor Krendros.’ And I encountered beings from a distant past era entirely different from ours.”
Swoosh.
Verden raised his arm high. From his fist, covered by the pitch-black glove called [Tribulation of Enlightenment], he showed everyone only three fingers.
“Dragons, Lords of Death, and the Sea.”“……!”“These three are future threats that will one day exert immeasurable influence on the continent. Unlike before, most of them likely won’t be that unfamiliar to you now.”
The Dragon was mentioned by Lennon Bernard and Emperor Zeracl in succession, and the Monarch on the Corpse—the Old King—was revealed directly by the Saintess of the Luas religion.
The latter was known through the Pledge of Truth, so those who did not participate in the pledge did not understand it; however, now that the secret has been revealed, rumors spread in an instant, and they will soon come across it after the World Conference.
Vangelis narrowed his eyes.
‘… … It’s certainly strange.’
The statements made by Lennon Bernard, Emperor Jeracle, and Verden overlapped. To be honest, it was difficult to believe that the three of them had conspired in advance.Objectively speaking, their behavior regarding the prophecy itself was too serious.
The Small Council of the Expedition to Find the Dragon Sword.The Grand Council of the Conquest of the Demon Realm.Secrets connected even to the First Magic Tower.
Let’s assume they secretly conspired and coordinated their stories. So what? What on earth could they possibly gain from that lie?It was completely irrational, given that not even a faint benefit was visible.
As the second hand moved in this way, the thoughts of the audience, having mobilized both emotion and rational judgment, were restricted naturally, like flowing water.
What if, by any chance, the prophecy is true?What if that is why they are raising their voices like that?
As it was repeatedly instilled in their minds, even those who had never paid a glance at prophecy and fatalism could not help but ignore it.
Doubt sprouted in my mind.
The minimal trust placed in Verden and Emperor Zeracl served as high-quality fertilizer. Suspicion reared its head and turned toward the sun in the sky.
In particular, interest in the Black Sea skyrocketed the moment the word ‘sea’ was specified. Her gaze, without a single eyelid moving, was fixed on the center of the conference room.
Verden continued speaking.
“As far as the prophecies I have uncovered so far are limited to these three.”
The master asks.
“So far… are you saying there is more?”“What I have said is only a part of it. And I do not believe in fate. To be precise, I do not think the world will unfold exactly as it is set. Naturally. On the contrary, I believe that future threats may be far greater than the prophecies. It is always wise to prepare for the worst.”
The audience listened attentively.
“Of course, even if I say this, it will be difficult to accept easily. Especially for transcendent beings striving toward ideals. But think about it again.”
Verden spoke in a low voice.
“Besides Dahit Wesroel and the Bone Dragon, how and why did I kill three more transcendent beings?”“……!! Ah……!”
Even across the entire world, the number of transcendent beings is very small. If so, where on earth could he have found them and executed them with his own hands?Verden’s bizarre actions fit perfectly into the empty spaces like a puzzle.
“I have experienced a world you do not know. Some of you might already know, but anyway. That is why I am standing here right now.”“I said a world I do not know.”
The Water King laughed much more violently than when he dealt with the Saintess.
“Are there many transcendent beings there? Enough to kill one another without issue?”“I cannot know. However, it would be more than enough to satisfy your desires. Without any restrictions.”“Hoho.”
The Pope also parted his lips.
“……Holy One, is the Old King truly recorded in the prophecy of the First Magic Tower?”“The monarch seated upon the mountain of corpses. I cannot think of anyone other than the glory of the dead and the Old King. There surely cannot be another being similar to him.”
Heukhae banged on the Senate table with an expressionless face.
“The sea, really?”“The rippling sea. I haven’t found out for sure yet, but I believe there is something in the sea. Enough to understand why you are so obsessed with it.”
Heukhae’s pupils trembled for a moment as her madness for the sea was understood for the first time. Even the Head of the Adventurer’s Guild had rarely seen her display such intense emotion.
“I say it again: if you wish, you may determine the truth of my statements one by one. Of course, if you are willing to pay a price greater than that.”
Verden used his oath of truth as a weapon to enhance his persuasiveness. This was because, although the overall flow of cause and effect was incorrect, there was not a single lie when examining the sentences individually.
Well, it’s not like I didn’t notice everything.
Verden glanced past the spot where the Arnak Empire side was sitting.
Emperor Geracle and Grand Duke Rivandale are unable to hide their bewilderment,in a different sense than the other attendees.
Dragons breathing out toward the earth, a lord sitting atop a mountain of corpses, a surging sea… … Isn’t that what was in Molgarn’s future mural?
A mural of the past, present, and future constructed by Molgarn, the Legion’s Archdemon, who gathered all kinds of prophets and is stored in the underground of the Arnach Empire’s Imperial Castle.
Did Verden leak parts of Molgarn’s murals using the First Magic Tower as a basis? Or did such a thing really exist in the First Magic Tower? Where does the truth begin, and where does the lie begin?
My thoughts seem to be getting twisted.
The two twitched their lips a few times, then fell silent, unable to speak. The agent was just as shocked in a similar sense.
‘no way.’
She broke out in a cold sweat.
* * *
Finally, the Executor, Meia, understood the hidden intentions of Verden. She had come to understand. She secretly grabbed the Provider’s sleeve.
“You… can you handle this?! Most of the future information we obtained will be discarded…!!!”“I suppose so. However, it is already too late. It has been too late since about four years ago, when Verden claimed the power source for himself.”
The Provider met the eyes of Serendia, who was wearing a gentle smile.
The ripple effect of this ‘choice’ cannot be stopped.
The whispers of the Provider and the Agent scattered unheard by anyone. And the moment the fated inevitability was partially exposed to the multitude, the Agent felt a chilling, intense current.
‘Verden is a transcendent being who made a choice all alone, without anyone’s help… …!’
Verden’s influence is on a different level. The longer you stay by his side and the more deeply you are influenced by him, the more you gradually escape your fate.Just like Isabella, who became a demon, and Adrian, who became a transcendent being.
Such a Verden discussed the truth of fate in part with the beings who officially reigned over the entire continent—without touching ‘your’ taboos.However, that alone was enough to touch and tear apart the remnants of fate left behind after the wheel of destiny had shattered.
… … Thud.
I hear the sound of something snapping.
The Executor’s vision illuminated things hidden from the world.’Threads of Fate’ were visible embedded in everyone except Verden. Even the threads hanging from the Provider and the Executor, whose functions had ceased.
This isn’t just a level of resistance.
The threads of fate swayed taut as they were forcibly pulled. A sense of precariousness burrowed deep into her senses.Regardless, Verden’s influence stimulated the world in real time.
‘revolt……!!’
Thud──!
The beginning soon became another beginning.
Tudu
Most of the countless threads of fate that make up ‘your’ puppet show have been severed. The existence of Verden has greatly shattered the backdrop.
Ignacia’s eyes curved at the corners.
“Fate and prophecy? That’s an interesting story.”
The chosen dolls began to perceive the world outside the stage.Just as Verden had planned.
