◆ ？？？ ◆
“Ryoho, what do you understand about this world?”
It seems that the esteemed Founder Zeda is not in good spirits. As the only one who can hear the voice of Lord Madias, the burden on him is immense. During such times, he invariably turns to me for the truth. Despite being from the Hero lineage, he once fell into calamity in pursuit of his ideals. A resolve I can never hope to reach. Normally, someone like me wouldn’t even be allowed to stand by his side. Yet, Zeda still asks me.
“…I beg your pardon for taking time to respond, as I am but an inadequate being.”
“Honesty. If you were to utter grandiose words, I would show no mercy.”
“I will strive forward each day.”
“Lord Madias is suffering greatly. He is caught between truth and ideals. Ryoho…”
In the silence, Zeda’s trembling voice penetrates the air. How pitiful it is that someone with the purest heart in this world suffers so deeply.
“Why is the world so tainted? It is solely due to the actions of humans, is it not? When humans act, the world becomes sullied. Do you not think that human civilization is thus a sin?”
“Coexistence with nature is the realm the Uzei Religion must strive for. What we must achieve is not the advancement of civilization. Humans should be ‘one with nature.'”
“The advancement of civilization is the weakness of humanity.”
I have heard the unsavory rumors circulating within the Holy Capital. There are those who claim that Zeda is plotting the destruction of humanity, spreading such outrageous tales. But those are the foolish words of those who do not truly understand the teachings. Zeda guides humanity. It is precisely because his heart is so pure that calamity has arisen, leading to his sealing by his own kin. This means that humanity itself is flawed. If humanity had understood and agreed with Zeda, he would not be referred to as the Eternal Spirit Emperor Lurudo. All of it is the fault of immature humans.
“What must be done is a return to nature. Starting from the Uzei Religion, we must guide humanity to its rightful form. We must make humans one with nature. If that happens, humans will not pollute rivers, seas, or the earth. They will not hunt the wilds. I wish to see… this beautiful world… forever…”
“Zeda…”
Tears spill from beneath the mask. I long to support him, but I know I am unworthy of such a privilege. I despise those lowly beings who do not understand this heart. No, the sin itself should be what is hated, not the people. It is not about punishing them; it is about guiding them.
“Humans can be saved. Even Lacon was saved by the wise Hero, and this Uzei Religion spread because of it. Everything is woven by Uze… no, by you, Zeda. Ryoho, even if this body decays, I will accompany you.”
“The time for selection is drawing near.”
“Yes. Sadly, there are those who are not worth cleansing.”
“Did you think I was unaware? That man… a mere boy who has lived for only a hundred years dares to deceive me? How laughable. The time has come to show him the truth.”
The anger directed at that man, who was not present, threatened to consume me from within. My breath became erratic, and I struggled to stand. Overwhelmed, I felt an intense shame for being such a small creature. A normal person would lament their insignificance and abandon their life. Such was the immeasurable distance between Zeda and me. I could hardly believe that there were rumors of someone striking Zeda. Furthermore, that it was Rua who had defeated that person. Such a thing must not be. To harm the esteemed Zeda, to surpass him… Though I hold a creed of not punishing, I cannot quell this anger that makes me acutely aware of my own lack of training. How far must they degrade Zeda and the Uzei Religion before they are satisfied?
“The time has come. We shall proceed to that place.”
My response was too late, as Zeda vanished, blending into the air. I shivered once more at the sheer mastery of his skill. It was presumptuous of me to wish to accompany him in my current state of inadequacy. Alone in this grand cathedral, I could only kneel.
◆ Avangarde Royal Capital, Central Street, In Front of the Castle Gate ◆
The True World Declaration issued by the Naked King has reached Ikana Village. Today, we are also invited to unveil its entirety. To be honest, I didn’t want to go, but the ominous feeling I had compelled me to attend. I had sensed this foreboding long before.
“Monsters… we hardly see them anymore, right? It must be because the Special Operations Unit is hunting them down.”
“Even with their efforts, it would take decades to eradicate all the monsters around here. Just a hunch, but I think it’s related to the True World Declaration.”
As people from all over the capital gathered, the Naked King had yet to show himself. Just as Kurinka said, even Kizel Valley was now safe to traverse without guards, which felt eerie. Moreover, the weather had been strange lately. A pleasant climate had persisted without change, making every day feel drowsy.
“Hey, you guys. Long time no see.”
“Oh, Gantetsu-san. It’s really been a while.”
“Well, I hardly ever leave the house. There’s no need to.”
“W-What do you mean?”
I thought he looked a bit older, and indeed, Gantetsu had aged. He had always been older, but now there were more wrinkles, and his muscles lacked their former firmness. His face had also rounded slightly, confirming his words about not leaving home.
“With no monster hunts left, the Adventurer’s Guild is on the brink of shutting down.”
“What about requests other than monster hunts…?”
“There are none.”
“Why…?”
“Hey, hey, everyone doing well?”
I chose to focus solely on that voice. I didn’t want to see. Terrace, that Naked King, was about to make the announcement regarding the True World Declaration.
“Without further ado, let me give you a brief explanation about the True World. Alright, today’s guest…”
He was still as drawn-out and vague as ever. Just listening to him was irritating. Platiu, who had followed along, looked like she was about to doze off while standing. I had to support her, or she would fall. And what did he mean by guest?
Such a ridiculous attitude changed with the arrival of the guest. A figure emerged, draped in a distinctive snake-patterned robe, appearing as if layered multiple times. The pièce de résistance was that mask, one I would never forget.
“It is the Founder of the Uzei Religion!”
“Greetings, citizens of the Avangarde Kingdom.”
I believe everyone collectively held their breath. Most had likely seen him for the first time, and his bizarre appearance only added to the strangeness. That odd mask made him look even more suspicious. I wondered if I should unleash the Sonic Ripper. Wait, wait. If he was as strong as Branburm, I couldn’t guarantee a single blow would take him down. Plus, the Naked King was there, and he was a complete unknown. If my attack provoked a counterattack with devastating skills, my position would become precarious.
“Yeah. I won’t attack.”
“I could tell you were deep in thought, but please don’t… even if it’s someone we might have to defeat…”
While Platiu and I exchanged strange remarks, she suddenly collapsed. If she wanted to sleep, she should have stayed in the village. She really insisted on following us.
“I will forgo my self-introduction, relying on the King’s introduction. It is already known, but the Avangarde Kingdom and the Holy Nation of Uzei are in a relationship akin to an alliance. We will not let it end as mere words; by strengthening this bond, peace will come to you all.”
“Is this a missionary activity…?”
“You may consider it as such.”
“I-I can hear you…!”
That was a mere whisper from someone nearby. It was astonishing that Lurudo picked it up. With so many people present, how could he discern who was speaking?
“Seeing is believing. I hereby declare that the Holy Nation of Uzei will build the True World.”
As Lurudo spread his arms and drew a circle with the staff in one hand, something appeared in the sky. I was on guard, thinking it might be an attack, but when I realized what it was, I felt a wave of relief. It was bread. Bread. Loaves of bread appeared one after another, falling to everyone.
“What is this… where did it come from?”
“What the heck…?”
“For example, food, which is essential for your survival. From today onward, you will no longer need to grasp it with your hands.”
Once again, Lurudo made the same gesture with his staff, and this time, something colorful appeared above. Clothes made of yarn and leather pants fluttered down.
“What’s going on?!”
“This is real… and it’s from a super high-end brand!”
“Did that Founder do this?”
“Clothes, as you wish.”
What was he planning to do next? He swung his staff in a larger arc, but nothing happened. As everyone looked up at the sky, a sudden strange cry echoed.
“O-Ohhh! This is it! It’s coming, it’s coming! After two weeks, it’s finally here! I-I can see it! Move aside!”
“Wait… my eyesight… can I see?!”
“No way… the pain in my back is gone… I’ve suffered for decades…”
The strange cries were more like unbelievable words coming from various places. People clutched the bread and clothes, excited, while those who had been blind were touching the bodies of those nearby, overwhelmed with joy.
“Clothing, food, shelter. Humans struggle because these essentials are not given from the start. In that process, conflicts arise, and at times, misguided civilizations are built. I do not wish for such tragedies, nor should you. Look at Metallica; a great nation boasting advanced civilization is on a path to self-destruction. Why is that… It is the nature of humanity to understand this. Overcoming such nature is a challenge for anyone. Thus, I stand here today.”
I realized I had swallowed hard. I was captivated by that unfathomable power. It was beyond mere skills. I knew about skills that could generate things, but producing various types of clothing like a craftsman would is impossible. To top it off, he healed many people’s ailments and disabilities in an instant. There was no trick; I can assert that. It was born right there.
“I support humanity and show the way that ought to be.”
At this point, all that was left was for the crowd to erupt in cheers. We were the only ones left behind, while people throughout the Royal Capital trembled with emotion. It was incomparable to when Genia was giving her speech. It felt as if we were liberated from darkness, truly alive. The cheers came from the depths of our bellies.
“Though I have shown a glimpse of my power, this is not the strength of your Religious Founder. It is, in a sense, a blessing… If one believes in the main deity of the Uzei Religion, Lord Madias, reaching such heights is easy. In other words, it is the power of Lord Madias. People of Avangarde, have faith. There lies salvation for those who do.”
“Oooooooh!”
“The Uzei Religion is amazing!”
“Long live the Uzei Religion!”
“Long live!” “Long live the Uzei Religion!” “Long live!” “Long live the Uzei Religion!” “Long live!” “Long live the Uzei Religion!” “Long live!” “Long live the Uzei Religion!” “Long live!” “Long live the Uzei Religion!” “Long live!” “Long live the Uzei Religion!” “Long live!” “Long live the Uzei Religion!” “Long live!” “Long live the Uzei Religion!”
That guy, Rulud, had captivated the entire Royal Capital in such a short time. Damn it, I had no idea what his aim was. The most important thing is that it made it harder for us to attack him now. Everyone trusted him, and there was no atmosphere to oppose him.
“To think the Kingdom of Metallica would be used for propaganda… Lua-chan, that power…?”
“Just as Rulud said, that is Madias’s power… For some reason, Rulud is able to use Madias’s power… or did Madias do it directly…? I just don’t understand.”
“Do not cling to anything, nor fear the shadows of evil. Those who are clung to, you are free. Hone your strength, do not compete. From this day forth, strength holds no meaning. If you identify with it, cast it aside. I repeat, it holds no meaning.”
That guy was undoubtedly speaking to us Adventurers. “Do not hone, do not compete,” he says. How ridiculous! Without that, what am I now? I won’t let someone like him deny me.
“People! From here on is the true world! Be liberated from the shackles of your nature!”
Amidst the deafening cheers, my heart throbbed painfully. What is this anxiety? It feels like we are not just isolated in this situation. It’s as if we, ourselves, have been severed from the world.
――――You have no allies left.
I recalled Juo’s words now.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Unlimited snacks!
What a new world!
Long live the Uzei Religion!
Hyaaa!