𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝟐
“This world is disappearing. . . . . .?”
ㅤ
We just accepted our past and found hope for the future.
ㅤ
“Yes, that’s the specification of the magic that reverses time.
Two histories in one world. This abnormal condition won’t last long.
Eventually, through the world’s self-cleansing process, the two histories will merge, becoming one world again.
One of the histories will essentially overwrite the other.
And at that time, the one prioritized is generally the history of the main timeline.”
ㅤ
We were at a loss for words.
If this is true, does that mean that no matter how hard we try, it’s all in vain?
Even if we managed to defeat the Demon King after a desperate battle, it would all be overwritten by the previous world and turn into nothing.
ㅤ
However, as if to shatter our despair, God spoke again.
ㅤ
“But there are exceptions to every rule.
What I’m about to tell you is how to make this altered history the new official one, by overwriting the original.
Listen carefully.”
ㅤ
After the despair, came a message of hope.
We held our breath as we listened to the words of God.
And then, God spoke.
In a way, it was incredibly simple, yet a solution that seemed almost impossible to achieve.
ㅤ
“The one thing you all must do is clear.
Please do your best to suppress the damage caused by demons and defeat the Demon King.
That’s the key to winning over the Demon King, to a degree that can’t even be compared to the Official World.
By doing so, you’ll elevate the power that can be described as the world’s survival instinct, increasing the value of this historical existence.
If we can intervene within the constraints of our abilities, we should be able to effortlessly engrave this history as the new official record in the world.”
“. . . . . .”
ㅤ
It’s one of those stories where saying is easy, but doing is difficult.
In my mind, I recall the appearance of the monster I just fought moments ago.
One of the Four Heavenly Kings, Dragburn.
In a weakened state, it took on all of us, a genuine monster.
There are three more of its caliber.
Furthermore, there’s no shortage of demons with power equivalent to heroes.
Monsters that have become pawns are abundant.
And above all, the Demon King at the height of his power, known to make even the past Demon Kings look like nothing.
Are we supposed to win against this?
It seems like an incredibly tough battle.
Indeed, it goes far beyond any expectations we had until now.
ㅤ
“. . . . . .I understand it’s a very difficult path.
After all, in the Official World, you barely managed to defeat these monsters at the cost of your lives.
But please, cut through this difficulty.
I want you to change the original history that could only prolong its lifespan at the cost of numerous heroes.
That is my plea as a powerless God.”
“We’ll do it.”
ㅤ
The moment God finished speaking, Stella immediately replied.
Without hesitation, as if it were the most natural thing to do.
ㅤ
“We will do it, no matter how difficult it may be. Because it seems that our happiness only exists beyond that point.”
ㅤ
Stella, with a confident expression, declared herself, truly exuding the dignity befitting a hero.
Through accumulating effort and honing her strength, and even when facing adversity, Stella had experienced that she wouldn’t be broken. Undoubtedly, she was growing as a hero.
Watching Stella like that, I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh and, with determination, I also declared myself before the gods.
ㅤ
“If Stella’s doing it, I’m in too. I’ve vowed to protect her.
That won’t change, no matter what difficulties we face.”
“. . . . . .Thank you, both of you.”
ㅤ
And with that, God bowed to us.
A being calling itself God, bowing to mere humans.
In that moment, I felt her genuine concern for the world.
ㅤ
“Given that we’ve asked for your help this far, there’s no way we can refuse to lend you our strength.
Let’s accomplish one more main objective. Stella, please draw the Holy Sword.”
“Huh? Ah, yes.”
ㅤ
As instructed, Stella unsheathes the Holy Sword and presents it.
The God hovers her hand over the blade of the Holy Sword.
Suddenly, the particles of light that had been filling the area are gradually absorbed into the Holy Sword, which eventually starts to emit a faint glow.
ㅤ
“Huh?”
“I’ve imbued the Holy Sword with most of the residual energy left in this Divine Tree.
Due to certain limitations, the sword cannot display its full potential unless faced with the Demon King.
However, even in its sealed state, it should now have enough power to deal with foes up to the level of the Four Heavenly Kings until the energy I’ve infused runs out.
This is the best support I can offer.
I would have liked to enhance your divine protection more or even grant divine protection to Allan if possible.”
ㅤ
The God lowers her head, looking apologetic.
Speaking of divine protection, there’s something I haven’t asked yet.
ㅤ
“By the way, why was Stella the one granted the Hero’s Divine Protection?
What are the criteria for selecting who receives divine protection?”
ㅤ
While I’m at it, I might as well ask something I’ve been curious about for a long time.
In my dreams. . . . . .no, in my previous world, I often lamented not having divine protection.
Until I came up with the Ultimate Killing Sword, I was overwhelmed by my own powerlessness and the injustices of the world.
Even now, I’d accept divine protection or anything else if offered.
For protecting Stella, no amount of power would be enough.
If that’s impossible, I at least want to know the reason.
ㅤ
“Divine protection is one of the few ways I can aid humanity without breaking any constraints, and it is essentially a super-powerful enhancement spell through divine power.
However, even though it’s a modest amount of power from my standpoint, receiving it requires the recipient to have a suitable disposition, a resilient soul, and body.
Without a soul capable of containing that power and a body that can withstand it, one would explode from within due to the energy of divine protection.”
ㅤ
What? That’s scary.
ㅤ
“One in roughly a thousand people has both qualities required to receive it.
Of course, fewer people can accept more potent divine protections like that of a Holy Warrior, and there may only be one person in the world who can accept the top-tier Hero’s Divine Protection.
Unfortunately, Stella was that one person.
Even more unfortunate, Allan didn’t possess the qualities to accept divine protection.
If he did, I would have granted it to him long ago.
I’d grant it to all of humanity if I could.”
ㅤ
Ah. . . . . .so that’s how it is.
So, I lack the talent.
On the flip side, Stella was unlucky enough to be a bundle of talent.
Upon hearing this, it seems it’s all a matter of bad luck. . . . . .
The resentment that had been smoldering in me against God for making Stella a hero transforms into a sense of resignation that we just had terrible luck.
My anger towards the God has completely vanished.
ㅤ
“Well, if you consider this particular instance, the fact that Allan didn’t have divine protection can’t necessarily be considered bad luck.
Because of that, he was able to withstand the magic that reverses time.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“If a soul with divine protection were to be sent back in time, that soul would merge with its past self, and the power of that divine protection would simply double.
If that happened, the physical body couldn’t withstand it and would explode.
For a similar reason, if you interfere further with someone who already has divine protection, they could easily blow up from an overload of power. In that sense, it was a blessing in disguise.”
ㅤ
Wow, that’s not funny at all.
ㅤ
“. . . . . .However, it’s really frustrating that I can only provide this much support.
If I could unleash my full power, I could have eradicated those detestable demons with my own hands.”
ㅤ
In God’s voice, there is unbearable anger.
A voice filled with burning fury and seething resentment.
It’s as if God harbors as much or even more hatred towards the demons than I did when I was solely consumed by revenge.
. . . . . .Demons.
The enemies of humanity who attack from the Demon Realm about once every hundred years.
ㅤ
“First of all, what exactly are these demons?”
ㅤ
Before I knew it, I was asking such a question.
I was taught from a young age that they are simply enemies. They have actually attacked my hometown and even killed a childhood friend of mine. Detestable beings.
Is it because the mystery of divine protection, something only God could explain, has been solved?
I suddenly wanted to know what these creatures are, whom I’ve always considered a sort of disaster.
ㅤ
“In a word, they are invasive pests.
They come from outside the world I govern and try to ravage my beloved world to satisfy their desires.
To put it in perspective, they are like termites that erode a home.”
ㅤ
Termites, huh.
Speaking of which, we’ve had infestations in our village before.
They destroyed homes and ruined food supplies, almost making several families homeless.
They are pests beyond doubt.
ㅤ
“Most likely, the god of the world you call the 『Demon Realm』 approves of invasions to other worlds.
When gods fight, the one in its own domain always has the advantage, so they probably use the residents of their world as vanguard troops.
Those vanguard troops also seem to be no-good like their god.”
ㅤ
. . . . . .Indeed.
The Demon Mantis, who saw humans only as food.
The Old Witch Demon, who was toying with the bodies of heroes and laughing about it.
Both were complete scumbags.
Even Dragburn seemed better in comparison.
Well, he is also a scoundrel who tries to steal people’s lives and peace for his own desires.
ㅤ
“Of course, I do try to block interference from the Demon Realm, but I’ve been constantly under attack, so every hundred years or so, my defensive magic falters and. . . . . .
When that small flaw occurs, the gates of the Demon Realm open, and the demons come into this world.”
ㅤ
So that’s the truth behind the Demon Realm’s gates opening every hundred years.
. . . . . .God really has been protecting us all this time.
Is it too late to start praying?
As I was thinking that, God’s face twisted even more unpleasantly.
ㅤ
“. . . . . .Even among the recurring history of wars against the demons, this current Demon King can be confidently declared the worst of all time.
In the Official World, he’s slaughtered seventy percent of humanity and reduced the probability of a new hero being born to an extremely low level. He’s a monster.
The previous Demon King was also a problem as an embodiment of tyranny, but the current one is even worse. With a clear strategy and malice, he is commanding his subordinates to annihilate humanity for sure.
He attacked when humanity was weakened by the previous Demon King, so it’s not an exaggeration to call this the worst disaster in human history.
As long as the Demon King, the world’s biggest abnormality and a hotbed of disease, remains alive, we can’t perform any large-scale interventions, even with time magic.”
ㅤ
“But,” God continues.
ㅤ
“I believe that you two can overcome this unprecedented disaster. If the two of you join forces, surely.”
ㅤ
Just as God said that, light overflowed from behind us, and the sound of a door opening was heard.
ㅤ
“My talk ends here. Now go. May you have much happiness in your future.”
ㅤ
After saying so with clasped hands, as if praying. . . . . .God disappeared into light particles.
. . . . . .It seems this is really the end of the conversation.
All in all, it was a conversation with much to gain.
The truth of the dream, how to change the world, the nature of divine protection and demons.
Not just knowledge, but also clear support in the form of strengthening the Holy Sword.
Indeed, there was much to gain.
ㅤ
“Shall we go?”
“Yeah.”
ㅤ
Leaving where God had been, we turned back the way we came.
ㅤ
“We’ve gotten into quite the situation, haven’t we?”
“Yeah. Do you regret making such a big fuss?”
“Not at all!”
“Good.”
ㅤ
We’ve become stronger.
So, this is really the last confirmation.
ㅤ
“Even so, if you ever find you can’t handle the hero’s responsibility, it’s okay to run away.
We could live in peace until the world ends.
That wouldn’t be so bad.”
“Allan, that is. . . . . .”
“I know. I just wanted to say it one last time. I realized earlier that such a life won’t make you happy.”
ㅤ
I stop and say, looking intensely into Stella’s eyes.
ㅤ
“Let me say it again. I will protect you to the end, no matter what.
I will support you until the very end, by your side. I will make you absolutely happy.
So, let’s do this.
As God said, let’s completely defeat the Demon King.
He’s the opponent we’ve beaten once in the so-called Official World.
We can do it.”
ㅤ
I thrust my fist toward Stella.
After blushing at the first half of my words, Stella meets my fist with hers in her characteristic, competitive smile.
It was a little too hard and hurt, but I put on a brave face and bore it.
ㅤ
“Yeah! Just don’t hold me back!”
“Heh, who do you think you’re talking to? You’ve never outdone me.”
“We’ve been tying lately! And your sword is too stubborn!”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
ㅤ
With such a conversation, we resumed walking.
And when we could see the door, the original entrance. . . . . .
ㅤ
『Oh, by the way, there were two things I forgot to mention』
ㅤ
Suddenly, God’s voice was heard again.
. . . . . . After making such a mystical exit, this sort of ruins it.
Could it be that this God is quite scatterbrained?
ㅤ
“What’s the matter?”
『Please let the Elves know that this Divine Tree is still very much alive. If we continue applying Healing Magic, it should recover in about ten years.』
“Understood. The Divine Tree is rather resilient, isn’t it?”
『Well, this tree is the only successful result of an experiment to imbue various objects with anti-demon powers to create a safe zone for humanity.
It’s not the first time it’s been damaged.』
ㅤ
So it’s not the first time, huh.
Well, this is great news that would make Eltrait-san ecstatic if he heard it.
ㅤ
“What’s the second thing?”
『This special space within the Divine Tree is a highly unique realm where I can manifest in the world with just my consciousness.
Because of this, the time and space here are slightly distorted, with the flow of time differing ever so slightly from the outside world.
In comparison to the outside world, time may pass faster or slower here, so when you leave, several days may have elapsed.
Please be mindful of this.』
“”Why didn’t you say that sooner!””
ㅤ
In the end, we completely forgot our polite language.
We dashed towards the door while throwing a huge retort.
This is no joke.
With Dragburn potentially attacking any moment, being absent for a few days is suicidal!
ㅤ
『Don’t worry, the remnants of the Divine Tree Protection are still active. He shouldn’t attack for a little while longer. . . . . .Oops.』
ㅤ
What’s with that last “Oops”?
I’ve got a bad feeling about this!
We sprinted the short distance to the door and were speechless the moment we stepped outside.
A massive barrier was erected around the village, and intense magical attacks were being launched from outside the barrier.
The thunderous noise of magic colliding with the barrier echoed in the area.
ㅤ
The battle had already begun.
And then, I thought to myself.
Really thought to myself.
ㅤ
That god, she’s really absentminded after all!
Translator’s Blog
Blog
- My Early 20s Emo Profile: A Journey Back to Myspace (And Why It Still Haunts Me)
- How to Know If You’re Cringing Your Classmate: A Guide to Social Survival
- Novel Review: Emperor’s Domination
- Trucks, Isekai, and the Struggle for a Good Image: When Anime Hurts the Real World
- Isekai’d: From Hero to Zero (and Back to Reality, Kinda)
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