◆ Ruins of Avangarde Royal Capital – North ◆
【Eternal Spirit Emperor Lurudo’s Thunder Summoning! Countless bolts of lightning rain down from the heavens!】
“I never expected a natural calamity to strike now!”
【Dealt 35 damage to Aboro! HP 419985/450000】
【Eternal Spirit Emperor Lurudo’s Divine Blade Slash!】
“Fufufu! With the Holy Sword Hopething, reshaping the continent’s terrain is but a trifle!”
“Such childishness!”
【Dealt 18 damage to Aboro! HP 449967/450000】
I deliberately took the massive sword, enlarged by some spell of his, on my shoulder. The Holy Sword Hopething, a mysterious blade that can only be wielded by the bloodline of heroes. If the sword possesses a will of its own, then its audacity to recognize even a villain as a hero is a testament to its nature as a demon sword. Depending on its wielder, it can unleash strikes that make me consider dodging.
“You are the lowest among the heroes of history.”
I voiced my thoughts as expected. In terms of sheer power, he is indeed a threat among the heroes, but he lacks any foundational spirit that has been cultivated over time. Bonds nurtured with companions, a resolute desire to protect something—these can sometimes grant humans unexpected strength. When I first faced this bloodline, I had almost been wounded while showing off my composure. But that was not due to his individual strength. An unyielding heart turned coincidence into inevitability, reaching even my life. What about him?
“Though you seem to have mastered numerous spells, you are still just a human. You are not an aberration like Lua.”
“Killing heroes… demonic calamity… You truly are our nemesis… Guh… you fiend…!”
Behind the shattered mask was the face of a young man. Perhaps he maintained his youth through some spell, as there was a disconnect between his tone and appearance.
“It is because of scum like you that the world is tainted…! What nature has taken eons to create, you immigrants trample upon…! That is utterly unforgivable!”
“If you consider my existence as part of nature, wouldn’t it be easier to bear?”
“Preposterous! Aberrations have always spread! They must be corrected each time!”
【Aboro unleashed the Big Bang Knuckle! Dealt 132122 damage to Eternal Spirit Emperor Lurudo! HP 1322/444444】
“Ugh!”
Listening closely, I found his reasoning to be disappointingly trivial. Wishing for a world devoid of inconvenient beings is a desire that is exceedingly mundane. It seems he mitigated the impact of my Big Bang Knuckle with some barrier, but it was a futile struggle.
【Eternal Spirit Emperor Lurudo formed seals with both hands! All curses assail Aboro!】
“Guh, fufufu… I, Lurudo, have mastered malevolent arts that reach the heavens… and among them, the greatest curse!”
【Aboro’s attack! Dealt 35043 damage to Eternal Spirit Emperor Lurudo!】
“I am well-acquainted with resentment.”
It had become mere routine. I pierced through his body, methodically crushing the remaining limbs with my fists. Do you have any idea how many have sought revenge against me? Countless have cast curses upon me, trading their lives for the chance.
【Eternal Spirit Emperor Lurudo has been defeated! HP 0/444444】
“I have determined your fate more skillfully than you could. If you wish to act, curse my destiny first.”
“Y-You… still… Fufufu… Fafa…”
He was still speaking, but it was likely only temporary. He would die soon. I turned on my heel and headed straight for the true target, the Divine Being. He was an enemy devoid of any sentiment, yet he was a member of the hero lineage. I had half-expected him to show some lingering will as he faced death, but it seemed I had worried for nothing. I felt no contemplation over his familiar death throes.
◆ Ruins of Avangarde Royal Capital ◆
【Madias the Arbitrator God points both hands at Lua!】
He still seemed intent on continuing, glaring at me while seated. Suddenly, my body grew hot, a headache surged, and nausea welled up within me. It seemed he could still perform miracles of this magnitude. For an ordinary person, this would likely lead to bed rest and life-threatening conditions, but I had already experienced pain in the Abyss Cave.
“I have cast such calamities upon the human race that has ravaged nature. People prayed for relief from an inexplicable illness, offering their prayers no matter how many nights dawned.”
“And you forgave them for that?”
“There will be no second chances.”
Upon closer inspection, he was quite slender, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit less confident knowing he had evaded my attacks with such a frail body. Miracles are indeed remarkable, and they are not supposed to happen often.
Still, I was starting to feel a bit dazed. My head throbbed, and honestly, I was barely managing to stand.
“Here, Angel Heal.”
Kurinka mercilessly dispelled the miracle that Madias had summoned. My body felt lighter, and my head cleared. As a sign of my regained vitality, I bounced around a bit near Madias. He bit his lower lip and glared at me with a fierce expression.
“Showing off like that…!”
He stood up and lunged at me, trying to catch me. But as expected, his physical abilities were truly low. Even half-asleep, I could easily dodge him with a light, graceful movement. In the midst of this, I stumbled over some rubble and fell.
“Ugh… hic…”
“Oh, oh no… I’m sorry.”
“Lua-chan, you shouldn’t make her cry. Why were you bouncing around?”
“I don’t know… But isn’t it strange for a Divine Being to cry over something like this?”
“I-I am Madias the Arbitrator God…”
I might have been a bit too mischievous. My “destruction” had frustrated him because it couldn’t break through his “miracle.” It seems there is indeed a hierarchy in divine natures. The World’s Strongest Man has lived through just one “victory,” and I only recently discovered my power of “destruction.”
“It seems the conclusion has been reached.”
“Lord Chronoel… You are safe.”
Descending gracefully, Lord Chronoel stood beside the slumped Marty. It was only natural for him to be safe. If he could manipulate time, he could avoid anything. But judging by the state of the rift in the sky, it seemed the Celestial Realm had been utterly destroyed.
“Lord Chronoel, could you explain? Why is this child Madias the Arbitrator God…?”
“…It could be said that all of this is my responsibility. Allow me to show you.”
By the time I realized Lord Chronoel was about to do something, it was already over. The surroundings changed without any initial movement, and the ground beneath our feet vanished.
◆ Corridor of Memories ◆
A space that seemed to stretch endlessly in a blend of blue and white. It felt as if I was standing yet floating, with no clear sensation at all. He really did something amazing. He said that if we fought, he would lose, but is that really true?
“This is the Corridor of Memories, existing within the space-time continuum… It can remember and project all events that have occurred through the flow of time.”
With that explanation, the scenery around us shifted again. This time, it was a peaceful village. However, the houses were in worse condition than Kaura’s village I had seen in the Celestial Realm. They were merely a chaotic combination of wood and stone, with people entering and exiting caves.
“Since these are past events, we cannot interfere. No matter what happens, bear it with gritted teeth.”
In essence, it was like Branburm’s hologram. I wondered how long ago this scene was, where people clad in fur lived.
◆ Corridor of Memories – The Village Where Marty Lived ◆
“Marty! I fell and got hurt! Heal me!”
“…Alright. You shouldn’t feel pain anymore, right?”
“Wow! It doesn’t hurt! Thank you, Marty! Oh, by the way, do you want to play tag too?”
In a corner of the village, Marty was engaged in some small task. She looked just like she does now, her appearance unchanged. Yet, surrounded by children, she smiled continuously, a stark contrast to her current cold and emotionless expression.
“Oh… I’m sorry. I forgot you can’t run, Marty.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just go and play for me. I’m happy just weaving shells here.”
Though she turned back awkwardly, the child ran back into the circle. Watching her, Marty lowered her gaze to the shells in her hands, seeming to ponder something.
“Lord Chronoel, was Marty really just an ordinary girl?”
“It seems she was born with a weak body, unable to play like other children.”
“It seems so…”
“Marty! It’s terrible! Koom and Napol, who went hunting, are gravely injured!”
A villager called out to Marty from behind. She hurriedly stood up and ran toward the adult, but soon stopped, breathless. I caught a glimpse of the adult letting out a small sigh.
“Take your time. They are resting in the square, so come with me.”
Upon reaching the square, Marty held her hands over the two gravely injured individuals. Just like with the child’s injury, their wounds began to vanish as if healed by a miracle.
“Just as expected of Marty!”
“That power must have been bestowed upon her by the Divine Being!”
“Thanks to Marty, the village is safe!”
“N-No, that’s not true…”
“No, no! With that mysterious power, you can do anything!”
Marty swam her gaze around awkwardly, her cheeks slightly flushed. Was she happy to see everyone pleased? She seemed a bit shy. The two who had suffered serious injuries each held Marty’s hands, repeatedly expressing their gratitude.
“I can only do this much… If I can be of any help at all…”
“Marty is the treasure of the village! This is all thanks to Zeda’s teachings!”
“By the way, Grandpa still hasn’t come back…”
“He should be returning from the temple soon, I think?”
Marty was conscious of her frail body, yet she still tried her best to be of service to everyone. The way she blushed and smiled was a stark contrast to the expressions she wore when in the presence of Madias the Arbitrator God. At least in this moment, Marty seemed genuinely happy. I couldn’t help but wonder where things had gone wrong. And this village… it was clear that the construction of the houses was far worse than in our village. They wore nothing but a single piece of fur, not much different from what I had on when I emerged from the Abyss Cave.
“Lord Chronoel, what village is this?”
“This is a village that existed over two thousand years ago in the human realm.”
“T-two thousand years?! Wait a second! Marty looks like she’s not much older than us!”
“About that… we’ll discuss it later…”
Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the weapons the injured duo possessed were made of stone. What on earth were they hunting with those? And that straw roof looked like it would fly away with a gust of wind. Was this a time when civilization had yet to develop?
◆ Corridor of Memories – Marty’s Home ◆
The scene shifted again. This time, we were inside a small house. A stone table stood in the center, and on the wall hung a dull-looking stone knife. There were Marty and another figure, a large old man.
“Grandpa, do you really have to go to the temple?”
“We humans owe our existence to the Divine Being in the Celestial Realm. As a sign of gratitude, I must serve.”
“To thank the Divine Being, you listen to everyone’s wishes?”
“Indeed. The strength that Marty and I possess is a gift from the Divine Being. Therefore, it must never be used for selfish desires. By using that strength for the people, the Divine Being will surely be pleased.”
“I see…”
I recognized the old man speaking. He was the large old man summoned by Madias the Arbitrator God. While he wasn’t as large as that, he was still quite imposing. Even sitting down, he towered over Marty. It seemed that Marty had manifested this man as a representation of the Divine Being. In other words, for Marty, this old man was her God.
“…When will you go to the temple next?”
“In three days.”
“That soon?”
“I returned because the recent drought has settled. Soon, another issue may arise, so I cannot linger.”
“I understand…”
“Kurinka, do you think the ‘power’ that old man mentioned is… ‘miracles’?”
“I can’t say for sure yet, but it seems that the Divine Nature runs in the royal family of Noibranz…”
Marty appeared resigned, yet her lips were slightly pursed. Perhaps sensing her mood, the old man placed his hand on her small head.
“There’s nothing to be sad about. If you help everyone, the villagers will be happy. Naturally, that will make you happy too, right?”
“Yeah… They call me the treasure of the village.”
“Exactly. That’s what happiness is about.”
I recalled what Lord Hast had told me before. Those with power must help others. At that time, I had swallowed my words, but watching Marty and the old man made me question if that was truly correct. The old man was busy, leaving Marty feeling lonely. Was it really worth it to go that far?
“I’m sorry for making you feel lonely. Shall we sleep together tonight?”
“…Okay!”
Despite his large frame, his movements toward the bed were unsteady. He managed to reach the temple, whatever that place was, with such a body. Though he was large, his back looked terribly small.
◆ Corridor of Memories – Entrance to Marty’s Village ◆
“Is it time for a shift soon? Yawn…”
“I’m so sleepy… I wish Zeda would take care of the beasts around the village.”
The scene changed again, revealing a sturdy man leaning against the village fence, muttering something ominous. Both of them had laid their weapons on the ground, showing a lack of tension for guards.
“But those beasts are still valuable prey.”
“That Marty has a power similar to Zeda’s, right? Maybe we can flatter her into helping us?”
“Who knows… She can heal injuries, but I doubt she has the power to summon rain or defeat anything like Zeda.”
“Tch… She’s not as skilled as the other girls, and her frail body can’t handle even light tasks… What a waste of resources…”
A tight knot formed in my chest. All that kindness shown to Marty was merely for the sake of her power. No one welcomed Marty for who she was. Even after saving lives during the day, they spoke like that.
“Lua-chan, this is something that happened in the past… right?”
“I know.”
Even when I tried to reach out to those two, I slipped through as if it were natural. I couldn’t touch anyone else either. It felt like some sort of hologram.
“That kid doesn’t even stir my interest… If only she would grow a bit more.”
“Then you’d try to sneak into her bed? Zeda would kill you.”
I felt pathetic for trying to grasp those two. I was just swinging my arms wildly.
◆ Corridor of Memories – Village Square of Marty ◆
Now, in the center of the village square, Zeda and Marty faced each other, surrounded by villagers. What had happened?
“From now on, Marty, you will go to the temple.”
“…Okay.”
“You are about to turn thirteen. At the same time, you will undergo the Purification Ritual at the temple and become an official priestess. I can no longer move as I wish at my age. Understand, someone had to do it eventually…”
“I understand…”
“Now, Marty will protect the village! I have high hopes for you! You can do it!”
The one who said such optimistic words was one of the two who had been speaking ill of Marty. Even though Marty clearly wore a gloomy expression, they only thought of themselves. The old man, too—was that really okay?
“Are you anxious?”
“I’m anxious… I don’t have a strong power like Grandpa…”
“Listen, Marty. Never think that you can’t do something. Everything begins with determination. If you don’t believe you can do it, you won’t be able to do anything.”
“…So I just have to believe I can?”
“That’s how my power works too. When I use that power, did I think it was impossible? Don’t think of it as a slim chance; don’t think it’s impossible. If you believe strongly, you can summon rain or stop it. You can even heal serious injuries.”
Marty stared intently at her hands. Perhaps she couldn’t grasp what was being said, as she didn’t respond to the old man.
“Marty, there are many elderly and children in this village who possess no power. They want to protect themselves but cannot.”
“Village Chief… do you think I can do it?”
“Rather, you are the only one who can. Look around; not a single person is looking at you with suspicion, are they?”
Marty turned her head slightly to observe the villagers. Indeed, everyone seemed to be smiling and wishing her well, and perhaps the village chief was right. But after witnessing the earlier exchange between those two, it all felt artificial. Everyone had expectations of Marty. But it was just a way for them to push their burdens onto her, just like those two.
Such a thing never happened in Ikana Village. There were no frail people, and everyone—adults, children, grandpas, and grandmas—cooperated to live together. They never tried to hold me back or rely on me.
“Then… I will go to the temple.”
“You’ll be safe on the way since Zeda will be with you. Once you settle down, you’ll be allowed to return to the village. You won’t feel lonely.”
“From now on, Marty will inherit the name ‘Madias.'”
Marty passed through the village gate alongside Zeda. But there, not a single person threw words of expectation her way.
◆ Shin Report ◆
It’s a strange sensation. Being here makes me forget even the sense of time. Surely, this is such a place.
I still remember Marty’s smiling face. However, by the time we left the village, that too had vanished. It’s only natural to want to rely on those who possess the power to escape from this world. We’re barely managing to survive ourselves, so it’s only expected that a child like Marty, who can’t do anything, would be treated dismissively.
If there’s a sin, it lies with Zeda. He took Marty to the temple without properly facing her. It’s pitiful that this is the only source of comfort for me. Madias the Arbitrator God, a bomb waiting to explode. If possible, I want to send Rua and Kurinka to this era to save her.