Episode 1027 Intellectual Conflict (1)
Verden, Alpha, and Beta, having escaped the game, were in a secret room of a mansion with no entrance.It was a private waiting space where they would stay until the ancient adventure ended. The time scale was 1:3.76. Verden calculated the amount of time he had spent in Arcadium so far.
“It’s about two days until the emergency summit, even at a generous estimate. We have to raid one of the Followers of Fate’s strongholds before then… … .”
The schedule is extremely tight, but this is the deep sea and the Host’s territory. It is difficult to shorten the game at will. This is a different situation from when we faced the first king of the human world in the Rift of Worlds.The Host has thoroughly dominated Arcadium, leaving no room for outsiders to infiltrate. If a loophole is found, it is the Host’s intention.
“…….”
Verden controlled his emotions with reason and maintained his composure.
What should be done to be efficient?
First, I checked the items acquired during the adventure. The participant’s logbook, which had not yet disappeared, clearly summarized what new knowledge and items the fourth guest had obtained.
It cannot be denied that this information is important enough to make attending the banquet worthwhile. These clues, which are merely arms and legs, will someday become the key leading to the head.
First, Verden briefly examined the [acquired items].
Eisenfall used it in actual combat. He hypothesized that the ancient magic book might be connected to the origins of the magic books in the Artisan Magic Tower.Having nothing else to examine, the two observed the other three objects in turn.
Srrrr.
“The [Sword of Dawn] that Eloris used in the end. It seems to have naturally transformed into a faith-based artifact as divine power lingered there for a long time.”
I swung it lightly… and seeing the blade glowing very subtly like faint starlight, I tried activating Holy Spirit Magic as a test.For that action was the result of rational doubt and instinctive sense.
Comet, Larenia.
“hmm?”
The moment the second star, pouring out the torrent of the Milky Way, manifested, the light did not extend forward but was sucked entirely into the Sword of Dawn.
[The Holy Spirit magic has been absorbed.]
[Comet’s Sword.]
The silver blade embraced the galaxy. Was it because starlight had already settled within Verden? The Sword of Dawn welcomed not even divine power, but celestial magic.
‘then…….’
Paaaaat!
A comet carried by the sword strike he swung struck the wall of the secret room. And a distinctive galactic flow lingered at the point of impact, shimmering.Immediately afterwards, the black of dawn regained its silvery hue.
“Oh, it’s single-use right now, but if I fix the Holy Spirit magic to the blade, I could use it repeatedly. It doesn’t look like it will take long to work on, either.”
Verden, having fully absorbed Dahit Wesroel’s memories, was also highly knowledgeable about the production of magical items, including the development of artificial artifacts.
Infuses the [Sword of Dawn] with Holy Spirit magic.
After setting such a small goal, I handed the sword to Beta and took [Starlight of Dawn] in my hand.I could feel the divine power of the morning star fundamentally taking root, but… … I didn’t feel any particular reaction no matter how much I used Holy Spirit magic or did anything else.
Should I reveal the divine spirit?
Verden considered
[Sparkling.]
Verden, deciding that it would be best to take his time and carefully examine the Morning Star’s artifact, placed the starlight necklace on Alpha.
Finally, the remnants of the evil god.
Verden sensed an unstable force trapped inside the metal pillar. The records indicated that it was a fabricated optic nerve of Bargnon.Although he did not know who Bargnon was, he was likely one of the ancient gods defeated in the Great Divergence.
Crunch.Crunch.Crunch.
As if drawn by a mighty life force, a squelching sound soon rang out from the pillar. Dark purple biological stems slowly crawled out. Theywere bundles of nerves.True to their name, they were the optic nerves of an evil god crafted by Eloris.
Hmm, it doesn’t look good.
The optic nerves, pleadingly craving Verden’s blood and flesh, gently tickled his skin. I want to live! Even though the reason of the being known as Bargnon had vanished entirely, only his true nature remained.
It was the same even in the desert of silence.
The evil ancient gods, whom ‘you’, Oldark, and even the World Tree could not exterminate in the Great Branch, did not accept death even though they were defeated.Their fragments mutated based on the Void Divine Power and became a desert disaster.
“I don’t know how Eloris processed this, but given that an artificial touch was involved, it must surely be different from the desert disaster.”
Verden tapped the optic nerve.The nerve tentacle twitched.
I suppose I’ll have to try giving it my blood experimentally later. The reaction will likely differ depending on whose blood it is. I would be disappointed, though, if the monster Eloris constructed is the limit.
It was threatening only in adventure stories; in reality, the power of that monster does not measure up to Verden at all. The same goes for Tearel.Compared to the enemies Verden had to face, that level of power was of little significance.
anyway.
Since it was impossible to know what might happen if blood were given immediately, Bargnon’s optic nerve, feeling regretful, was returned to the pillar.
That concludes the verification of [Acquired Items].
Verden’s gaze, fixed on his record book, shifted slightly upward.The essence of ancient adventure lay there.
* * *
Verden noted the knowledge he had not obtained directly in the [Acquired Knowledge] section.There was always a loophole in the game of Arcadium; this was information Beta obtained through a conversation with Talakan, the host’s independent soul.
[Reporting.]
When asked about what happened with Thearel and on the ground, Beta explained in detail.
───{However, even if fate does not exist, the roots intertwined with it still exist. And there is also the accidental destiny formed at the end of coincidence upon coincidence. The Host refers to these two as ‘necessity’.}
───{There are beings called seeds of resistance.}
───{This is the potential prepared for the final war by Oldark, who was defeated by ‘your’ fate. All modern transcendents created by Oldark are, in fact, seeds of resistance, but… … some of those transcendents, and some of the seeds that are not transcendents, carry a special mission.}
───{A resistor who opposes ‘your’ Apostle. We call this the ‘Adversary.’ In that sense, the Host is ‘your’ Third Apostle, and… … you are the Adversary of the Third Apostle, Transcendent of the Sea.}
───{You have been chosen by Oldark.}
The answer to Thearel’s intermediate question was knowledge that was more important and sensitive than what Verden and Alpha had heard underground.
Both Ruzak and Talakan mentioned necessity. In that distant era, does that mean that the theory of necessity was synonymous with fatalism?
The concept of fate relieves responsibility.
It is to rationalize oneself by saying it couldn’t be helped or that it was destiny, thereby asserting that it was not of one’s own will.
The desire to lighten the burden of heavy choices has existed in every era.
but.
The difference between the modern and ancient eras is that in the former, the wheel of fate actually dominated, depriving most people of their right to choose, whereas in the latter, individuals possessed their own distinct choices.
“Besides, seeds of resistance. Is that what they call the forces under the current First Demon King?”
As you can see, this is knowledge that is not included at all in the participant’s logbook. It seems that anything directly related to the Resistor is not included in the adventure records. Sincethe Host is undeniably an Apostle of Fate, strictly speaking, it is not surprising.
“Of course, Deus Widen must be the seed of resistance. However, it seems that not all seeds of resistance, like Deus, are aware of their own situation.”
Verden stroked his chin.
Thearel is the host… … the adversary of the Apostles.
Beings meant to confront ‘your’ apostles, that is to say, the apostles of the first Demon King who abandoned freedom, established an ideal, and attained true divinity.
There is a related clue in a corner of my memory.
Because I had a conversation like this when I reunited with the administrator, whom I called Master, at the foot of the first magic tower in the Desert of Silence.
Of course, even if the concept of rank is instilled, not just anyone can become a transcendent being. Talent must support it. As this intertwines with the process of fate correcting errors, the being destined to become a transcendent being in the future has been fated. One who has mastered transcendence through external influence, whether from a god or from fate. That is the ‘Chosen Transcendent Being.’
In a world rife with fate, the First Demon King utilized destiny to establish the concept of the Transcendent. This is the story of Tearel, who was influenced by that process and became a Transcendent as a literally chosen being.
In a word, Tearel is one of the strategic weapons prepared by the First Demon King… … !
I couldn’t help but sigh.
It is understandable to be angry.
For Tearel, it must have felt as though her life had been toyed with.And indeed, it was.If Verden had been in her position, honestly, even her reason would have been shaken.
“I would have no grounds to complain even if Tearel were to invade the Akenad Magic Kingdom right now and wage war. After all, Transcendents have been that kind of being from the start. Of course, I will try to prevent the situation from deteriorating to that extent, but… if everything Talakan said is true, this is a violation of dignity.”
Verden let out a sigh and pressed his hand to his forehead.
“… … The officials of Fate unanimously assessed that the First Demon King had gone mad. My Master was genuinely afraid that the First Demon King, having suffered repeated setbacks, might completely cross the line.”
In the end, the questions boiled down to three.
Who is the seed of resistance again?Who is the adversary of the Apostle again?Did the First Demon King cross the line?
Verden tried to assume the worst out of habit, but since he did not know the depths of the first Demon King, he could not possibly imagine it.
Fate and Resistance.
Verden, thrown into the center of it all, struggled to keep up with the thoughts of the First Demon King, even going so far as to formulate preposterous hypotheses… andthe First Demon King’s creations silently watched over the agonizing Verden by his side.
* * *
Several doors appeared in the banquet hall of knowledge.
… … Click.
Verden, Bloodia, Tearel, Deus, Luzak, and the fourth VIP emerged from the waiting room. The intellectuals who had survived the second game cautiously opened the door and stepped out, letting out a scream of relief.
Verden looked around.
It’s practically annihilation.
The crowds, which had been bustling just when the Arcadium was held, fell silent. A chilly atmosphere passed between intellectuals.
“Ah… ahh…”“The way out…! I must protect at least the remaining knowledge…!!”“I cannot become a ghost…!”
Perhaps having died multiple times and been stripped of a significant portion of his knowledge, the single-digit VIP slumped down. The double-digit VIP, with a brain damaged by language function, grabbed the butlers by the collar, trying to get out as soon as possible.
Even those who barely survived were consumed by fear. Theirmental and brain functions suffered a severe blow.Most of the guests went missing, and there were quite a few VIPs who were not present.
It was a sight that stood in stark contrast to the first appearance, where he was terribly greedy for knowledge.
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
The host appeared on the stairs, clapping reverently.
{Congratulations on emerging from the primeval adventure, holy intellectuals. Since you have ranked in the top 0.87% of the participants who crossed over from the first game, you may praise your own knowledge, tenacity, and luck.}
The host conveyed the meaning that more than 99 percent of the intellectuals who participated in the second game had degenerated into the specter of knowledge…
Furthermore, among them, 30% were intellectuals who completed the task of knowledge. Therefore, the remaining 70% lost their eligibility to participate in the third game. However, considering the difficulty of the second game, special benefits are not granted even to the eliminated participants.
The host spoke as if showing generosity.
You can watch the third game.
Watching the game without participating in it.
This is the host’s right.
The intellectuals, who were about to leave the Feast of Knowledge, stopped in their tracks. They swallowed hard. To be able to safely watch the higher-ups’ game?It was an act of mercy that, as intellectuals, could not refuse—an act of mercy that had never once existed in the Arcadium!
Of course, intellectuals who passed the second game but chose to forgo the third also receive the same benefits. Out of consideration for fairness, they are specially rented private viewing spaces, unlike the eliminated contestants. In other words, you gain the right to watch the game on the same level as me.
The host twitched his beard-like tentacles.
{The eliminated ones who will receive the benefit remain, and the passers who will forfeit the third game raise their hands.}
The eliminated candidates quietly turned away and made an effort to remain in the banquet hall. The successful candidates pondered what to do and hesitated whether to raise their hands.
It was then.
“Hmm, there is absolutely no chance of winning, so I’ll give up. Instead, I will accept the benefits.”
The fourth VIP declared he was unsure and forfeited, yet still received the benefit. It caused a stir. Starting with him, most of the successful candidates raised their hands.
“I give up!”“I want a private viewing space……!”“Giving up would be a wise move.”
Tearel also gave up on the game and obtained the special viewing benefit, as she had already received an answer using the intermediate question ticket. Her gaze was fixed on Deus.
{In that case, there are only three intellectuals to continue the third game. The third guest of honor, the fourth guest of honor, and the first distinguished guest.}
Is it intentional that only three people remain?
Verden could not shake off his suspicion. He still did not know what kind of picture the host was drawing. He watched the host in silence.
Since the theme is set, we will skip the draw. After a short break and a meal, we will begin the third game to conclude the Arcadium.
The host was about to leave after merely giving notice, but looked down at the intellectuals and spoke.
How does it feel to experience an ancient adventure for the first time? It was a once-in-a-lifetime game; is there anyone here who can share their impressions?
I will speak.
As the intellectuals blinked their eyes, the sixteenth distinguished guest raised his hand.It was Luzak Paltein.He had died, but was resurrected in exchange for having some of his knowledge taken away, and had barely survived instead of completing the task of knowledge.
“Host.”
Luzak smiled faintly.
You are a true intellectual.
It was a sentence that sounded like praise, but the tone was filled with contempt. The intellectuals broke out in a cold sweat. To think they would commit such rudeness toward the host.
The host laughed softly.
Just as the atmosphere in the banquet hall grew chillingly cold, the host paid a brief respect to the soul that had realized the truth of the Arcadium.
{Thank you, knight who repaid the Morning Star.}
The host did not call him the sixteenth distinguished guest, nor did he call him Luzak Paltein. Most intellectuals did not understand this at all.
* * *
The break was short.
Luzak bowed his head toward Verden’s party and spent some time alone somewhere, while Tearel glared at Deus but did not speak to him.
Verden and Bloodia exchanged a fierce glare only once.
Eventually, the host came out and continued the procedure.
{The third game is ‘Intellectual Conflict’.}
“Intellectual clash?”
Intellectuals, including Verden and Bloodia, tilted their heads. It was only natural. After all, intellectual conflict is a two-person board game.
{Originally, since Intellectual Conflict consisted of only two factions, only two people could participate. However, this time, I personally revised and expanded the game. Not two, but three… I added one more faction.}
The host lightly stomped his foot.
Kugugugugugugugugu… … !
The banquet hall split apart without the need to move to another space. The floor where the intellectuals were seated shifted to the left and right, and a massive polygonal plate unfolded in the center.
There is a miniature version of nature on every tile.
Pieces were already placed in the three camps.
{The first camp is fate, the second camp is resistance.}
The host pointed forward.
{The third camp defies heaven.}
Verden’s expression hardened. Alpha and Beta also looked flustered. This was understandable, as the appearance of the pieces belonging to the Reverse Heaven faction was familiar.
That is… … .
A piece resembling Verden.A piece resembling Alpha.A piece resembling Beta.A piece resembling Adrian.A piece resembling Isabella.… … .
The forces of Eon, recreated as artifacts, were there.
The intellectual clash in the third game is a three-way battle.
