Episode 1004 Continent (5)
How did the Luas religion become the spiritual pillar of all humanity?
A miracle of light that heals only humans.A noble sacrifice dedicated to mankind.An interpretation of the world based on humanism.A sacred radiance that repels demons and the undead like a protective fence for humanity.… … .
It’s a waste of words to even talk about it.
The religion of Luas contributed significantly to ushering in the age of humans before the age of magic.Above all else, without the miracles of healing, a considerable number of people would still be dying from diseases and infections or suffering from their aftereffects to this day.
If the magical realm opened new horizons of cutting-edge technology, the Religion of Light meticulously crafted a world where humans could survive better.There is no one who has gone through an ordinary life without ever meeting a priest of the Light.
That’s right.
From newborns to the elderly, everyone is embraced by the light of the Luas religion.
Who would dare deny a great god who bestows tangible power like the divine force of light?Moreover, who would refuse when such a god watches over them?
Since humans are enveloped in light from the start and have no way of knowing life without light, the human heart that praises and worships the god of light is natural and close to common sense.
“Of course, it is impossible to shoulder the role of the Luas religion exactly as it is. That would be the case for anyone. After all, the divine power of light exists in a realm that cannot possibly be explained or imitated by magical workings alone. The proportion the Alliance seeks to seize is merely a tiny fraction of the whole.”
Verden manipulated his magical power to shape a large three-dimensional sphere. Less than 10% of it gradually turned dark red.
With each passing century, the world of alchemy has advanced, and various healing potions are being developed. In addition to elixirs, Eon possesses a special potion that heals injuries without any physical strain. Physical defects? That is impossible with conventional alchemy, but Eon’s prosthetic body project makes it possible to replace the functions of lost limbs.
The only reception room at the Allied base was transformed into a presentation venue.It felt like an extension of the Magic Festival.
“Even the technology currently in development is at this level. The possibilities of the magical world are endless. Above all, to enjoy all of this, a clear price must be paid. In that sense, there are aspects of the Luas cult that structurally they cannot dare to match the magical world.”
The miracles of the Ruas Theocracy are manifested by consuming divine power. In other words, no material resources other than faith are required.It is a convenient power, but precisely because of this, it is a power that destabilizes equality.
Divine beings can breathe life into the dead to resurrect them, and some clergy of the rank of archbishop or higher can heal bodily defects.Not only senior bishops, but also bishops who specialize in healing miracles can reattach severed limbs if only the body part remains.
The number of those capable of performing such miracles is not very large. On the other hand, the number of humans who desperately need such miracles is countless…
He brings some back to life, andhe restores others’ lost arms.
Why do I abandon?
No matter how much the religion of Luas bestows unconditional mercy, it cannot save all of humanity; therefore, there are bound to be humans who cannot be saved.
Even if one understands that high-ranking clergy work themselves to death, the seeds of dissatisfaction eventually sprout. This is because a single drop of blood one has just shed is deeper and closer than the sweat of others.
The irony that faith weakens the more miracles are shared.
Therefore, quite a long time ago, the Luas religion placed restrictions on miracles. They decided to completely prohibit the performance of high-level miracles above a certain standard among the general public.
Since it was not permitted even for royalty and nobles to beg earnestly, the lower classes naturally complied with the laws of religion with almost no complaints.
A person’s faith does not discriminate based on social status or wealth.
From the perspective of Luasism, there was actually no significant religious difference between nobles and commoners, and there were far more commoners than nobles.
In exchange for depriving humanity of the right to enjoy the highest-level miracles, the Luas religion was able to retain numerous followers and expand its scope of activity by accepting offerings under the guise of donations for moderate miracles, thereby avoiding the appearance of a profit-making religion as much as possible.
That is how Ruasism became a world religion.
“Every faith has its own basis. The conviction that it will embrace us. That is why the Luas religion has no choice but to be mindful of people’s reactions. So much so that they repeatedly emphasize voluntary offerings instead of paying for miracles, out of fear that the symbol of their religion might be tarnished.”“…….”“Profit that religion cannot openly pursue. We will exploit this.”
Unlike the religion of Luas, the magical world has no reason to care about societal disapproval when it comes to calculating profit. This is because it is not based on religious faith.
There is no doctrine to be bound by.
People do not believe that the magical world will protect them. They merely expect technology they have never experienced. Therefore, the magical world can influence society much more freely than religion.
It would be ideal if the Luas religion started with what it cannot do right now.
The artificial body project aims to restore physical defects restricted by the Ruas Theocracy.
Even if you are not a wizard, you can use a golem body by utilizing a magic stone. The golem body and the magic stone processed to fit the golem body are set to become a new technology ‘product’.
Will people harshly criticize this news, accusing them of being greedy for money?
you’re welcome.
Rather, they would feel hope.
Those who have lost their limbs will regain their original lives, and they will strive to work to cover the costs of prosthetics.The miracle called magic shall become another existential faith in this cruel world.
And so… people’s thoughts will flow like gentle waves.
If there is no light, there is magic.
Thus, the magical world gains financial benefits, receives gratitude and trust, and acquires influence capable of partially replacing world religions.
“And if they play an active role in the war against the Old King, that trend will intensify, whether they want it or not. As the power of the Luas religion itself weakens, the Alliance of Transcendents will move closer to the center of the international community as a counterbalancing factor.”
Whoosh.
The sphere of magical power was slowly consumed by a dark red hue, until soon only a single color remained. The gazes of the transcendents converged on the light cast before their eyes.
This is the direction of the alliance I propose.
Verden withdrew his magic power.
“Do you have any questions?”“Of course I do.”
Bendie leaned his back against the backrest of the chair.
“From what I’ve heard, it seems you intend to pressure the Holy Kingdom even if it wasn’t the Saint’s fault… While I have no business interfering with how Eon moves, this is essentially something they could accomplish with their own technology, so why are you trying to drag the Alliance of Transcendents into it?”
Yurion added the same opinion.
“Bringing world religions under your command rather than uniting with them was certainly an unexpected proposal. Although the Luas religion has recently incurred debts of varying magnitudes to you and surrounding forces, is there a reason why you must absolutely weaken their standing to such an extent?”
Adrian answered.
Because Luasism is exclusive.
Verden added.
“You hid the truth about the War of the Transcendents for so long that you only spat it out after being caught. And you caused an irreparable disaster, such as having the ancient king’s body stolen for the glory of the corpse. Yet, far from repenting, you are holding your head high.” “Hmm, that is true.”“If we leave them alone simply because they are the undead’s natural enemies, it will only become the seed of division. To unite the international community, we need to keep the jagged stones in check.”
Verden and Adrian met each other’s eyes. Adrian finally understood what his purpose was and nodded slightly.
“Vendier, did you ask why I am expanding my influence toward the Alliance of Transcendents rather than Eon? It is in the same vein as how I induced interconnections at the World Conference. It is also for the same reason that Adrian gathered the Transcendents and formed this alliance while I was away.”“If you mean the World Conference.”
Bendie and Yurion recalled the scene at the World Conference Hall in Gargant. They also recalled the words Verden had tossed out, practically delivering a speech.
Killing multiple transcendent beings, Verden who experienced a world unknown to them, fate and prophecy.
‘fate…….’
Bendie ruminated on his memories.
The ancient king, resurrected from beneath the island of the Hiaremar Inland Sea, showed a strong interest in Verden and soon referred to him as the Destroyer of Fate.
“On the day the Old King awakened, the traitors of humanity appeared in the sanctuary. After committing a massacre, they perished withoutexception. Lennon Bernard, the leader of the Iderat Alliance who revealed the whereabouts of the Dragon Sword and has since vanished without a trace. It was an organized movement in every single one. The unofficial Transcendent who targeted us on the island as well.” “You mean that guy?”
Yurion stroked the scar on his forearm.
A transcendent being who uses a dagger.
It is said that the guy who had previously trespassed into Highlandia appeared at the place where the old king is resurrected and tried to target Verden, but was seriously injured by Adrian and disappeared.
“You know who is behind the traitors.”“I do. I do not know the scale, nor can I reveal everything I know right here, but for the sake of convenience, shall we refer to them this way?”
Verden parted his lips.
External enemies.
The transcendents created by the first Demon King cannot submit to fate. For the madness for the sake of ideals instinctively refuses to be bound by predetermined shackles.
In other words, to defy fate, the transcendents must be at the center. At least for now. On top of that, it is necessary to add flesh one by one: humans, beastmen, dwarves, elves… and demons.
The continent is facing external enemies.
The Alliance of Transcendents devised by Adrian was aligned with the Way of Verden. It would mark the full-scale beginning of a third force that belonged neither to Fate nor to the Resistors.
* * *
Eon is taking the lead in cleaning up the disaster caused by the Four Gates in the Kingdom of Ronia and the lower beastmen tribes, but it was Mauler and Gareth Cirilliad who held the Kingdom of Ronia as their domain.
After the undead had all retreated, the southern part of the Eastern Continent was very quiet. Access to the location of the Gate of Death was restricted from a distance.
“Dad, where are we going…?”“Shh!”
Led by Mirasel, the commander of Delharun’s Royal Guard, he commanded the remnants of the kingdom. The people of the Kingdom of Ronia, where the king had gone missing, and some nobles had to follow in silence.
Miracel spoke softly.
“Have you found Vlad?”“I see no trace.”
The officers of Grimnax, who had barely survived after being separated from the Commandment Execution Unit by a sudden raid by the undead forces, shook their heads.
The leader of Grimnax has gone missing.
… … .
At the time when the recovery was in full swing, Gareth was in a deserted cave.
[It was a satisfactory result.]
The voice of the Archdemon of Prostitution – Ifeakarn – flowed into the darkness.
[Now that you have the justification of the Alliance of Transcendents, observe Verden closely. His destructive magic.]
“Shut up, I’ll handle it.”
Gareth sat on the cave floor and scowled fiercely.
Defeated as a transcendent being,and by a transcendent being who was still very young.
To be honest, the power was evenly matched, and Gareth had a slight advantage overall, but he ended up being overwhelmed by the unknown power the guy displayed at the end.
‘He clearly unleashed his instincts without reservation. Does this mean that as a transcendent being, he has approached a higher level than me?’
What difference determined the outcome?
What on earth is so special about Adrian that he has adapted to transcendence and is trying to advance to the next stage despite the short time he has lived?
Suddenly, I lifted my head.
I saw the sticky tentacles hidden by the darkness. Adrian was a pure Transcendent, but Gareth was a Transcendent mixed with impurities from a pact with a Great Demon.Perhaps that difference is what caused them to exhibit different aspects as Transcendents.
“Damn it.”
When he was pushed back in the transcendental stage and his nerves were severed, he was greatly agitated by emotion and tried to kill Adrian by recovering his body through
This is an opportunity.Follow instructions to enjoy freedom.
He did not rebel.
Since it was indeed unsightly to use
“……What happened to the ancient transcendents?”
[I have already opened the two gates of the southern Eastern Continent and concealed my presence. It is no longer important. I will postpone testing
Ifeakarn said not to be disappointed, yet added slowly.
[Separately from this… … an anomaly has occurred ‘beyond’.]
“Beyond?”
[It is another name for the gap in the world.]
What is the gap in the world, then?
[It is the boundary separating this first world you stand upon from the fifth world.]
Gareth frowned at the string of incomprehensible words. The creature’s tentacles twitched as if to say there was no detailed explanation.
It must be nice to know so much.
[It is difficult to say that my knowledge is abundant. As long as tentacles emitting the fishy stench of the sea, greedily craving knowledge, exist.]
Gareth couldn’t be bothered to pry into what those fishy tentacles were.It was more annoying than bothersome.
So, what kind of anomaly happened in that rift of the world?
[The cause of this anomaly is unknown. However, its repercussions will have a profound impact on the continent.]
Ifekarn’s voice rang out low.
[From now on… … the frequency of demon appearances will increase worldwide.]
The three great demons foretold the appearance of demon species.
* * *
Gluttony’s central laboratory and headquarters, where countless life forms are dissected to become knowledge and become test subjects molded into the cornerstone of a new humanity—the Control Center of Gluttony.
“Phew…….”
Jose, the sculptor trapped in the experimental zone, lifted his heavy eyelids again today.
