Chapter 154: The Butterfly Effect(3)
Chapter 154: The Butterfly Effect(3)
In this world, gods are not merely symbolic figures like Jesus, Buddha, or Allah from my previous life; they are literal, existing beings.
If a believer offers prayers or sacrifices, the gods bestow a power known as divine power. Through this power, the faithful can manifest various abilities.
Furthermore, gods use 'oracles' to encourage their followers toward a better path. However, even they rarely reveal someone's future outright, usually limiting themselves to providing advice.
Perhaps due to certain restrictions, most oracles are left intentionally vague. For instance, suppose a devout believer is destined to die in an accident in the near future.
The god cannot give that believer a detailed explanation. At most, they might warn them to be careful or suggest it would be better to stay home and rest that day. They never provide specifics.
Because of this, believers often rack their brains trying to interpret these oracles, and even then, they frequently get them wrong.
Of course, if one offers high-quality sacrifices or a massive amount of divine power, the oracle becomes more detailed. Looking at it this way, one might suspect that gods are secretly quite greedy.
Regardless, an oracle from a god can be considered a form of prophecy. Since nothing comes without a price, the followers of each order pray with deep devotion or offer exceptional sacrifices in hopes of a better future.
[Why did the gods not warn us of the pollution of the World Tree's roots and the summoning of demons? Was the offering insufficient, or was the quality of the believers lacking?]
[Holy Nation 'Savior'. The Pope and the Cardinals are offering sacrifices and prayers to the gods, yet the gods remain silent. Could it be that the gods have grown disappointed in mortals?]
[The gods have already revealed the future through the prophet known as Xenon. Therefore, they feel no need to answer and have refrained from issuing oracles.]
Recently, however, the gods' behavior has been somewhat strange.
The pollution of the World Tree's roots and the omens of demon summoning—either of these alone was a major event that could have left the world not just in danger, but on the brink of ruin.
Yet, the gods had issued no warnings, let alone oracles, and the silence continued even after the incidents came to light.
The gods didn't utter a word even as people clamored about me being a prophet or a regressor from the future. It wasn't as if something had happened to them, though, as they continued to provide divine power like clockwork.
From this, it seemed the gods had taken a stance of observing the current situation. The fact that they remained silent even when the Pope and Cardinals prayed made this almost certain.
So, what would happen if I, the person at the center of it all, asked them directly? Would they give me the cold shoulder like everyone else, or would they speak with me?
If it were the former, something was wrong with the gods; if it were the latter, I would ask them why they were just standing by.
Still, looking at history, the gods are beings imbued with human-like qualities. They aren't omnipotent in the literal sense of 'God,' but rather transcendent beings.
'But I've never used divine power or even prayed once. Will this be okay?'
Time passed, and the weekend arrived. I left the Academy and made my way toward the temple.
I had already received an outing permit from Professor Elena, so leaving the Academy was no trouble, and I had informed Nicole and the others in advance.
Everyone was surprised at first when I said I was going to the temple, but they soon seemed to understand. Given the current state of affairs, they likely thought it was only natural for me to visit.
'This is my first time visiting a temple, too...'
Because gods actually exist, most people tend to believe in them. Among humans, the majority follow Luminous, the God of Light and Hope.
My father and mother are followers of Luminous, and even Bris and Nicole are the same. However, they aren't devout enough to pray every single day; it's more of an occasional thing.
I also 'technically' believe in Luminous, but it's more out of interest than anything else, and I rarely pray. It's more like I just acknowledge his existence.
The same goes for Mora and Hirt. I never thought I'd have much to do with the gods outside of studying theology, so I didn't pay them much mind.
However, because my book drew attention in such a strange direction, I had no choice but to go to the temple. It was a bit absurd, but it was something I had to do to tie up loose ends.
'The temple... it should be around here.'
I looked around, using the map Mari had drawn for me to find the temple. It felt a bit awkward wandering around the capital by myself for the first time.
When I visited the Marine Mansion—the Rekilis family's estate—in the capital, I had been in a carriage and didn't have the chance to really look around.
Perhaps because it was the capital, and the capital of the Minerva Empire at that, the streets were grand yet quite bustling. Buildings were lined up along both sides of the road, and people were constantly moving about.
If Albenheim had an image similar to Ancient Greece, the capital of the Minerva Empire resembled a Medieval European landscape.
'They said there are almost no slums here, right? Thanks to that, public security is excellent.'
One of the reasons the Minerva Empire could be so wealthy and powerful was the near-absence of a poverty-stricken class. Usually, as the number of poor increases, the crime rate naturally rises, but the Minerva Empire had a very low percentage of impoverished citizens.
However, this wasn't something the Minerva Empire achieved on its own; it was because of their neighbor and rival, the Ters Republic. The Ters Republic was culturally very advanced, but it had an extreme number of people living in poverty.
Culture flourished, yet the number of poor people grew. This ironic phenomenon eventually culminated in the Jayros Revolution, and seeing that, the Minerva Empire had hurriedly implemented policies to prevent the same.
'Looking at this, they seem to govern quite well.'
I set those thoughts aside for a moment and focused on finding the temple. Occasionally, when I got lost, I would ask passersby for directions.
After wandering the capital for a while...
"Oh..."
I finally arrived at the Church of Light. I stood there with my mouth agape, marvelling at the majesty of a temple I was seeing for the first time in my life.
True to its nature as a 'temple,' it was a structure with massive pillars supporting the roof, built in the familiar Ancient Greek style.
It seemed that because Albenheim, the cradle of civilization, had a culture similar to Ancient Greece, the temples were built this way as well.
Seeing a majestic building like an Ancient Greek temple in the middle of a Medieval European-style street felt strange, yet it somehow blended in perfectly.
Since European culture was originally heavily influenced by Ancient Greece, it was only natural that they matched. I looked around the temple, which felt imposing just to look at, and then walked toward the entrance.
Given its scale, it was located a bit away from the main street, but there were still many people coming and going.
"Hello! Welcome to the Temple of Luminous. May I ask your name?"
As I climbed the stairs and reached the entrance, a female believer greeted me warmly. She was a beauty with bright blonde hair that waved at the ends and an impressive, sun-like smile.
Usually, nun's habits are a mix of white and black, but this woman's clothes were the opposite. White was by far the dominant color.
I flinched slightly at her energetic greeting before bowing politely.
"I am Isaac Ducard Maishal."
"I knew you were a noble. My name is Anna Schalke. I am a servant of Lord Luminous."
The nun named Anna greeted me brightly, placing a hand over her heart. Then, with that same sun-like smile, she spoke to me.
"Is this your first time visiting the temple?"
"Yes. How did you know?"
"I've never seen a believer with red hair before."
"... ..."
This damn red hair really is unique. As I gave a bitter smile and nodded, Anna began to lead the way while maintaining her smile.
"Then allow me to guide you. The path of light shown by Lord Luminous is always open, anytime and anywhere, so please feel free to come as you wish."
"Thank you. But today, I only intend to pray..."
"Would you like the public chapel or a private chapel? The public chapel is free, but the private chapel requires a separate fee."
"How much is a private chapel? Is it expensive?"
"It is only 5 silver."
Surprisingly, the price was quite cheap. Come to think of it, I heard that temples receive direct support from the state.
It was only natural to support the temples, as it made it easier to maintain relations with the Holy Nation 'Savior', train clergy, and prepare for famines or various other crises.
There was no need to worry about embezzlement or corruption like in some places in my previous life. If anyone were bold enough to do such a thing in a temple, they would have already become a legendary con artist.
If someone actually did something like that, the god would personally deliver 'divine punishment,' so there was no place cleaner than a temple.
"You said it's your first time at a temple, right? Then do you not know much about Lord Luminous?"
"I've studied theology, so I'm familiar with the mythology. Lord Luminous and Lady Mora are twin siblings, and Lady Hirt is their mother."
No one knows who the 'father' is. There's no mention of him even in mythology books, let alone theology, so people just assume he never existed.
Perhaps the records were completely lost, and his very existence was erased. For example, maybe the father of the twins was the 'Chief God' of this world but committed a great sin, leading to his records being wiped out.
"You know quite a lot. Then do you also know what Lord Luminous prefers?"
"Yes. Lord Luminous symbolizes light and hope. I've heard he especially loves believers who walk a straight path with a steadfast heart."
I carefully looked around the interior of the temple while talking to Anna. It felt majestic from the outside, and the inside was much the same.
The ceiling was so high I had to tilt my head all the way back to see it, and it even gave me a slight sense of vertigo. The interior scenery also exuded a holiness that made one feel solemn.
If I prayed here, would Luminous really come? I swallowed hard at the inexplicable tension, clenching and unclenching my fists before quietly speaking up.
"Um... Miss Anna?"
"Yes, believer. Please, go ahead."
"As I said before, this is my first time visiting a temple. It's also my first time praying, so could you give me a rough idea of how to do it?"
I had summoned the courage to ask, but I couldn't help the wave of embarrassment. Still, I had to know the basics to avoid making a mistake.
Anna had a subtle expression upon hearing my question, but she soon broke into her signature sun-like smile.
"You don't need to worry about that. Lord Luminous is generous. If you pray as your heart desires, Lord Luminous will grant divine power accordingly. The content isn't what's important; it's the 'sincerity' that matters."
"Sincerity... I see."
"Good. However, please refrain from saying anything disrespectful. Lord Luminous is generous, but he is also strict."
In other words, don't cross the line. I wasn't crazy enough to pick a fight with a god.
"This is the private chapel. When you are finished with your prayer, please let me know before you leave."
"Thank you."
Click—
As the door to the private chapel closed, I scanned the room's layout. Being a private chapel, the room was small, but it wasn't poorly made.
In front of me stood a small statue, presumably of Luminous, and thoughtfully, there was even a cushion on the floor. It was literally a room prepared for one person to worship.
"Hmm..."
Being alone made me feel awkward. I scratched my head and looked around before settling my gaze on the statue.
It was clear that a master craftsman had poured their heart and soul into the statue. The Luminous I had seen in mythology books was a handsome man with an impressive, bright smile, and that smile was well-captured in the statue.
Would Luminous really respond to my prayer? Or would he remain silent like he did for everyone else? I stared intently at the statue before slowly kneeling on the cushion.
To think that I, who was irreligious in my past life, would end up offering a prayer—the world truly is unpredictable.
'...Lord Luminous? Can you hear me?'
I closed my eyes, folded my hands neatly, and murmured in my mind. I wasn't sure if this was the right way to pray, but I decided to just go with what felt right.
'If you can hear me, please answer...'
It was before I could even finish my thought.
[So you've finally come! Child from another dimension!]
"...Eh?"
It wasn't a sound heard through my ears, but a man's voice echoing inside my head. Startled, I snapped my eyes open and looked up at the statue.
Even though the private chapel was enclosed on all sides, the statue's eyes were glowing with a golden light. No, it was more like they were billowing like smoke. This was definitely not a sign to be taken lightly.
If so, then that voice just now really was...
[Close your eyes... focus... child...]
While I was staring blankly at the statue in a daze, the voice echoed in my head again. It was hard to hear, as if there was static, but I could tell it was telling me to close my eyes.
As I quietly closed my eyes and focused, the voice began to sound as clear as it had before.
I hadn't noticed earlier because I was so flustered, but Luminous had a gentle, kind, and what people often call a 'honey-sweet' voice.
[Yes. Now you can hear me well. To converse with me more smoothly, you must close your eyes and focus. You must clear away all stray thoughts.]
'Um... by any chance...'
[Your thought is correct. I am the God of Light and Hope, Luminous. I have truly wanted to meet you.]
Luminous, the God of Light whom the Pope and Cardinals so desperately wanted to speak with, had answered me. It was such an alien experience that for a moment, I doubted if it was really Luminous...
[Hmm. Do you really not believe me? If you truly wish, I could drench you with a bucket of water from above.]
'No. I'm sorry.'
I apologized immediately. Seeing as it was a bucket of water and not a lightning bolt, it seemed he was playing a joke in his own way.
I quickly shook off my lingering disbelief and decided to ask the questions I had been curious about. First, not about my reincarnation, but about what was currently happening in this world.
'Lord Luminous. I believe you are well aware of the current situation in this world.'
[Of course. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to you.]
'...Pardon? To me?'
What on earth did that mean? I almost opened my eyes, but I barely managed to keep them closed.
Luminous then spoke words that left me utterly speechless.
[The neutralization of the World Tree and the Second Demon Invasion were a massive future that even we found difficult to issue oracles for. We wanted to at least warn of the omens, but doing so would have completely altered the future, creating a difficult situation. Changing a massive future requires paying an equally massive price.]
'Wait. You mean that was a future that was actually going to happen?'
[That is correct. Exactly 147 years from now, the Second Demon Invasion was scheduled to occur. The World Tree would have been severely polluted by then and essentially neutralized. The demon summoning rituals currently underway are a form of preparation. They are poking small holes that even we cannot perceive, and during the second invasion, they would forcibly widen those holes to make them large enough for interdimensional travel. The more holes there are, the easier it is to forcibly tear them open.]
"... ..."
Why is this real?
I was so stunned I couldn't speak. But the problem didn't end there.
[Fortunately, thanks to the book you wrote, that future has been completely changed. The demon invasion has been delayed by a staggering 2,000 years. Even if they do invade, the World Tree will be strong, and civilization will have advanced by then, so it will be easy to stop them.]
'...There's no disadvantage for me, right?'
[Why would there be a disadvantage for you? If anything, you are a victim as well.]
'Me?'
It was just as I felt a sense of doubt. Luminous explained everything step by step in his characteristically clear voice.
[As I explained just now, demon summoning is only possible by poking small holes in the dimensions. However, a certain demon worshiper accidentally set the coordinates incorrectly, connecting to the world where you lived. Earth—a planet with no mana, but with a civilization far more advanced than this world.]
'...No way.'
[Yes. Originally, demons are powerful beings from birth, so interdimensional travel is no problem for them. However, Earth is a place without mana. It is absolutely impossible for you, a mere ordinary human, to travel between dimensions. Your body could not withstand that immense power, putting a strain on your physical form, and eventually, your heart stopped. Your soul crossed over to this place, but the gods of Earth were furious that the 'natural order' had been broken. In the end, we also defied the natural order and allowed you to preserve your memories.]
"... ..."
So the demons were just bastards all along.