Episode 832 World Conference: The Pledge of Truth (5)
The parched sun of the silent desert was slain before it could attain mature divinity.The remaining apostles still await the fulfillment of their destiny, but the current situation was not in any of the possibilities foreseen by the Wheel of Fortune.
Fate was twisted.
While ‘you’ were asleep, the flow of destiny that ‘your’ surface will had tuned for infinite ages has already lost control and is being covered in disorder.
A future where the future is unpredictable.
… … I admit it.
The changes originating from Verden deviated significantly from the Provider’s predictions. In just three or four years, Verden built his own tower.A genius who tore apart the limits.I realized once again that time flows relatively.
Although the Provider always maintained a step back, claiming that he was not the subject of judgment himself and had to wait for the right time… he understood better than anyone why Meia was so worried about all of Verden’s moves.
The flapping of a butterfly’s wings became a massive storm.
Verden maintained his composure at the General Assembly of the Magic World, but at this World Conference, he is practically running wild as if he doesn’t know how to stop.
The Provider realized that Verden’s ultimate goal was to exert his ‘influence.’However, he had not yet figured out exactly what Verden intended to do in the second representative system where he would be at the center.
However, having observed the World Conference closely, it seemed as though Verden was laying the foundation.Whatever it was, it was bound to be close to a disaster.Did he truly realize just how much the world had changed because of him?
Due to one wizard, ‘you’ opened your eyes slightly, and the Last Resistor was half-awake.
It can no longer be reversed.
Even if you were to tear off the clock hands now, time would continue to flow. If you stop, you will be weeded out. The resumption of the battle of destiny, left unfinished in the past, is drawing near.In a situation where neither ‘you’ nor the Last Resistor are fully prepared… … .
Suddenly, the Provider felt a slight trembling within for the first time in hundreds of years. Frankly, he welcomed it. For feeling anxiety about the future was, by nature, the privilege of a being unaware of a colossal destiny.
So, what do you want to ask me, Verden?
They will surely be trying to make the final preparations for the second representative system through this Q&A…
The Last Resistor, the Primordial Wizard—are you curious about the whereabouts of the First Demon King?It might be different if we were alone, but you won’t be able to ask about that here.
I assert that Verden cannot control the impact of the name Oldark Ruin Akenad. Moreover, that is not useful information for the Second Representative System, whose subject is the territory of the ownerless lands.
Then, do you want to know what ‘your’ forces are?Clearly, that is not it either.’Your’ identity is taboo. If ‘you’ are officially mentioned and someone attempts to gauge your true nature, a catastrophe will ensue.
‘Fortunately, Verden is somewhat aware of the dangers inherent in ‘your’ taboo. You probably don’t need to worry about taboos as you have until now. Like the taboo against death.’
Then, shall I bring up the Wheel of Fortune?It is ambiguous.This is closer to a revelation than a question. Above all, because the concept is so vast, it is difficult to shock the world with just a single question.
What about the resistors?Well.Just like the previous question, it is an unfamiliar topic to others. As you can see, it is not in harmony with the flow of this world conference.
Do you want to ask about the true nature of the Magic Tower’s power source?That is presumptuous.It is not just Verden. No one should know that. At least not right now. Even if one knew, one would not dare speak of it.
Demons, Transcendents, Archdemons, World Tree, Ancient Dragons, Old Kings, World Forbidden Books – Gring Arcanum, Six Great Legends, Gluttony, The Ark, Three Sinners, Ancient Tablet, Omen, Fanatics, Giants of Frostium, Infinity… … .’
Going back to the distant past, to the far side of memory.
Countless pieces of information flashed through my mind.
The Provider recalled every element surrounding Verden one by one. As time flowed slowly like that, the green eyes and the blue eyes met.
Verden asks.
“The Master of the Lefragium Magic Tower, or the Provider. Are you ‘Deus Widen’?”
The real name of the Provider—which was used during the time when the First Magic Tower was active—was revealed right here and now by Verden.At the same time, the Provider clearly understood how Verden would take control of the situation during the upcoming Second Great Council.
“Can you handle it, Verden?”
* * *
The master of the Lefragium Magic Tower with a question to a question…
Vangelis, the 7th Demon King, was slowly stroking his short beard when he opened his eyes wide.Unlike before, a hint of deep emotion briefly flickered in the Provider’s gaze.
“Deus Widen? Was that the name of the Provider?”“I’m hearing it for the first time, too.”“Come to think of it… the Master of the Refregium Magic Tower has never revealed his real name until now.”
Deus Wieden was an unfamiliar name that they had never encountered before. The participants’ concentration naturally increased.
Why does Verden know the Provider’s name?And what intention did he question?Why is the Provider reacting so oversensitively?
… … .
Numerous questions arose from the single remark Verden casually tossed out. The Transcendents suspected that there must be some extraordinary backstory.Serendia, who had known Deus Widen for a long time, simply quietly observed the scenery.
Emperor Jeracle bent his thumb and slowly scratched the skin of his index finger with his fingernail.It was an unconscious gesture.
There is something. Something very big.
I sense a political current on a scale different from anything I have experienced in my life. On the surface, it looks as though Verden is trying to use the Provider.
In Emperor Geracle’s eyes, Verden possessed great potential as a politician.The fundamental dynamic of politics lies in blurring the lines between friend and foe, and utilizing opponents solely for one’s own purposes.
Verden said.
“I’m the one who asked the question.”“I asked if you could handle it.”
The Provider did not back down without observing the 14 covenants. However, that seemed far removed from anger or excitement.
Rather, the Provider was quiet.He is asking calmly.
As if wanting to know if Verden truly had such determination.
“If I couldn’t handle it, I wouldn’t have started.”“In that case…….”
The Provider asserted.
I am Deus Wieden.
The eyes of the oath flash.
truth.
As Verden had guessed, the Provider was the person who became the first-rank mage through the magic cultivation method created by Kirondar Net.
He might even be the first Transcendent of the Magic World to undergo the process of awakening. After all,the concept of a Transcendent, spanning from about the 15th century to the present day, was created by the First Demon King while establishing the hierarchical magic system.
“Do you need to elaborate?” “That is enough for now. The second minor ritual hasn’t even finished yet. I’ll take care of it when the time comes.”“Do as you please.”
An agreement of unknown meaning was exchanged between Verden and the Provider.
Ignacia gave a look that seemed to say, “What do you mean?” Verden shook his head, signaling that she should wait.
Although preparations were already made, the person who would trigger the desired situation was not Verden.
What is that bastard plotting?
Mauler glared at Verden’s face with a furrowed brow, looking displeased. It was hard to put into words, but for one thing, he felt terrible.
Reindel took a small sip of the wine he hadn’t even touched until just now.
I will skip the question turn.
Verden twisted the very space surrounding the giant die. Immediately afterward, as the heavily warped space returned to its original state, a gravitational force was generated.In an instant, the die floating in the air spun hundreds of times and landed back in its original position.
“Number 15, Lord of the Lefragium Magic Tower, Provider…… Deus Widen.”
The Provider called out his own name, placed both elbows on the Senate table, and clasped his hands together.
“Since I questioned Verden unilaterally just now, I will skip my turn. This is to take responsibility for partially disregarding the precepts of the oath. Raise your hand if you have any objections.”
The participants stared blankly.
Who could possibly say anything when it was the person himself who said he didn’t want to ask? No matter how much I thought about it, it wasn’t a matter for anyone to object to.There was no compelling reason to do so, nor was there any particular objection to raise.
Thus, the opportunity for the Provider to ask a question was officially excluded. However, the fact that a question was asked was acknowledged instead.
“By doing so, I have answered one question, exercised one veto, and asked one question, thus satisfying the Eleventh Covenant. I, the Lord of the Lefragium Magic Tower, am excluded from being questioned.”
Since Verden and the Provider are excluded from the 15 people, there are 13 people left to ask questions, and since 8 people have asked questions so far, there are 4 opportunities to ask questions remaining.
sudden.
As the Provider flicked his fingertips, the dice spun while resting on the floor. The continuous friction sound brightened the chaotic surroundings.Of course, however, interest in Verden and the Provider had not diminished at all.
“Number 11, Saint Ersetia. Ask a question.”
at las.
As soon as the saint saw the dice roll, she immediately asked the Water King.
“Who is the source of the information regarding the glory of the corpse?”“A source, huh…….”
King Su shrugged his shoulders exaggeratedly.
I don’t know, though.
* * *
“……?”
The saint’s eyes widened. For a moment, she doubted her ears, wondering if she had heard correctly. She immediately looked up at the eyes of the vow.
truth.
The oath was emitting a bright light.
“Recently, a mysterious fellow came looking for me, having deceived the Beastmen. Then he handed me information about an organization called the Glory of the Dead. That is all I know.”“Is that… all?”“He concealed his appearance so thoroughly that I couldn’t even tell his face or physique. I wasn’t interested anyway; what piqued my interest at the time was the secrets concealed by the Luas Theocracy. So I just let him go.”“Then why are you acting like you know—”“Ah, that.”
King Su said.
“just.”
The saint gently closed her eyelids and slowly stroked the corners of her eyes. She seemed to be furious at the fact that she had been toyed with.Yet, seeing that she did not express this anger through her actions, she truly possessed remarkable patience.
Even Verden, who had regarded the saint merely as a fanatical believer, saw her in a new light.
However, the Master wore an ambiguous expression.
“The King of Su answered one question, exercised one veto, and asked one question, thus satisfying the eleventh rule. I shall exclude him from being the subject of the third question.”
King Su was freed from the oath.
“…….”
The Saint silently rolled the dice from a distance with high-density divine power.The next roll was 1.
“Number 1, Oathbearer, Yurion Highros. Ask your question.”“Hmm.”
The Oath-taker initially intended to ask about that unofficial transcendent being, but was troubled because the Provider he had secretly chosen as the subject of his inquiry was excluded from the oath.Likewise, he is in a situation where he cannot ask Verden a question either.
It doesn’t seem like any of the remaining participants know anything about a transcendent being who wields a dagger. Reindel is the most likely candidate, but looking into his eyes, he doesn’t seem to care at all whether he’s an unofficial transcendent being or not. The dice roll wasn’t good.
Do you ask nevertheless, or do you ask a different question?
In the end, the choice was the latter.
It was advantageous to gain even one more piece of new information rather than feel a sense of meaningless regret.
“Emperor Zeracle, what prompted you to suddenly decide to conquer the Demon Realm?”
Emperor Jeracle opened his mouth after thinking about whether to answer or refuse.
“I saw a prophecy.”“A prophecy? Like the one Lennon Bernard showed you earlier?”“It is similar to that. They said that someday dragons will fly in and burn this land. There are several other reasons, but that is the decisive trigger.”
truth.
If it had been someone else, they might have scoffed, asking if he made such a proposal blindly believing in prophecies, but since it came from the Emperor of the Arnark Empire, it carried high credibility.Moreover, the first ancient poem Lennon Bernard had recited was related to a dragon—probably the Red Dragon, Sarkandra.
‘Is there really something to the dragon…’
Such a small doubt began to sprout in the hearts of the transcendents. Yurion nodded and rolled the dice.
There are two chances left.
“Number 2, Akenad’s 7th Great Demon King, Vangelis Ruin Akenad. Ask your questions.”“Then, Serendia.”
Vangelis did not dwell on the doubts raised during the Pledge of Truth. He intended to ask about them later, once he had become closer to Verden.The question-and-answer format of the pledge was structurally difficult to obtain detailed answers.
So I followed my personal curiosity.
“Is the reason Eon and the Elves formed an alliance solely because of Verden?”“That is correct.”
Serendia affirmed.
“Because Verden is similar to us.”“Similar…….”
Vangelis swallowed his breath.
“I knew that Verden’s magical power was extremely pure, but was it to the extent that even an elf would consider it so? His talent and traits are impeccable. It seems my hunch was correct after all.”
With a heart full of emotion, Vangelis recalled Verden’s history again, and rolled the dice with magic as if he had no regrets.
There is only one chance left.
Thump.
“Number 10, Outside, Ignacia. Ask a question.”“Huh, am I the last one?”“Tsk.”
Emperor Geracle and Reindel remained composed even though they did not get a chance to ask questions, but Gareth frowned and clicked his tongue briefly.
One less means to use. Well, it doesn’t matter anyway, since what I’m aiming for is a second representative system.
Gareth’s goal is already set.His mind has not changed.
“Hmm, but since we can’t ask Verden and the Provider, there really isn’t anything to ask, is there? Can’t we ask the guy excluded from the oath? Of course, only if the other person allows it.”
The Provident pointed out.
“According to the Eleventh Covenant, it is stipulated that one ‘can’ observe the Oath of Truth. If the person accepts, they can be designated as the subject of questioning.”“Oh, then the Water King!”“Hmm?”
Ignacia turned his head sharply.
“What do you think of Luas, the Goddess of Light?”
The Water King quietly gazed at Ignacia, then answered readily.
I think of it as a pure and sacred being.
King Su praised Luas highly.
At that moment, the vow pulsated.
Screeeeeeek─────!
The bright light faded, and a dark, ominous light enveloped the meeting room. It was a reaction distinctly different from when the truth was told.
In other words, false.
“…….”
The Saintess cautiously rose from her seat and headed toward the center of the meeting hall. As if in agreement, the Water King also rose and walked.
The master parted his lips.
“Providence.”“I told you.”
The Provider solemnly guarded the throne.
I said I wouldn’t take issue with a certain amount of emotional friction.
The Saint and the Water King faced each other with only three steps between them. An invisible, heavy tension weighed down the space.
King Su spoke.
“Do you have something to say—”
BANG!!
The Saintess instantly grabbed the Beast King’s head and slammed it under the meeting hall. The hard floor was crushed, and the Beast King’s head was half-buried in the gap.
The saint tilted her head.
“Would you like to say that again?”“Hehehe.”
The Water King writhed amidst the pile of debris, baring his teeth. Physical friction ensued. The Saintess’s rage had finally crossed its breaking point.
“The Glory of the Dead claims so, doesn’t it? That Luas is a false god.”
King Su stood up as if nothing had happened and brought his face close to hers.
“Do you see it that way, even to you, a saint?” “King Antias.”
The Saintess opened her right hand. A radiant light burst forth, and the Holy Spear, Granter, was summoned. Endless killing intent and divine power mingled together.
It is blasphemy.
Verden spoke in a low voice as he looked at the meeting room, which had instantly turned into a mess.
“It’s your fault, Ignacia.”“Yeah, it’s my fault.”
Ignacia puffed out his chest with a face full of pride. Indeed, when it came to hedonistic tendencies alone, Ignacia was far more wicked than the Beast King.
