Chapter 26: The Gathering(1)
Chapter 26: The Gathering(1)
What kind of beings are 'Gods,' really?
On Earth, many believe in God through 'faith' alone, while many others consider them mere figments of human imagination. Since freedom of religion exists, whether one believes or not is a matter of personal choice. For the record, I am an atheist.
However, in this world, denying the existence of God is more than just a headache—it’s a recipe for disaster. Unlike Earth, 'Gods' explicitly exist here. In fact, there have been several recorded instances where lunatics claiming God didn't exist were struck by lightning from a clear blue sky—a literal 'Divine Punishment.'
That said, they aren't omnipotent in the literal sense of the word. They are closer to transcendent beings or absolute entities that watch over the world. They use the faith of their believers as sustenance, sharing power with them or raining down divine retribution if their rules are violated. Occasionally, they perform miracles or deliver oracles through their 'Incarnations.'
In short, the relationship between a God and their believer is like that of a parent and child—perhaps even deeper.
Gods, huh...
I was currently lost in thought while sitting through a theology lecture.
In my previous life, there was endless debate over whether theology should even be considered a legitimate academic discipline. In this world, however, it is one of the most vital fields of study. It would be stranger for theology not to be developed when the existence of gods is so undeniable.
Case in point: the professor currently lecturing on theology is an figure of Archbishop rank. In terms of noble hierarchy, I believe he holds power equivalent to a Count.
"Luminous, the God of Light, spoke thus: 'It matters not if you do not believe in me. However, strive always to walk the righteous path. I shall help you so that you may find it.' And..."
There are a total of three gods in this world.
First is the one the professor just mentioned: 'Luminous,' the God of Light. Luminous is primarily worshipped by humans, and with a massive following, his influence on the world is nothing short of terrifying.
While many words symbolize Luminous, the most publicly recognized are 'Sun' and 'Hope.' Perhaps because of this, many soldiers who face life-and-death situations on the battlefield are followers of Luminous. I believe my father was a believer as well.
The second is 'Mora,' the God of Darkness. Uniquely, Mora is the deity worshipped by the Demon race. The reason they follow her is that she symbolizes darkness—specifically, the 'Moon' and 'Rest.' Looking at the bleak reality of the Demons, it’s easy to see what kind of rest they crave.
Finally, there is 'Hirt,' the God of Nature. This god is primarily worshipped by the Beastkin and Dwarves.
Hirt symbolizes 'Nature' itself. For the Beastkin who lived in the wild, no god could have been more comforting. The Dwarves also revere Hirt, knowing that the 'materials' for their creations come from nature.
Now, you might ask which god the Elves believe in. The answer is that Elves worship all three. Perhaps because they are descendants of 'Angels,' they can utilize Divine Power much more easily than other races.
As I sat there reflecting on the gap between Elves and other races, a question suddenly occurred to me.
I wonder if the gods know why I was reincarnated here?
But I didn't have the slightest intention of going to a temple to ask. I’m living well enough as it is; the last thing I want is for things to get complicated.
Besides, since they are gods, there’s a high probability they realized my existence long ago. Yet, there’s been no news of oracles being delivered or incarnations appearing because of me. That’s why I’ve been able to enjoy a peaceful life so far.
I might visit a temple if the opportunity arises, but until then, I plan to live normally. It’s not like I have some world-changing power like a protagonist in a manga or novel, so why would they care...
...Wait, does that include the novel I'm writing?
Anyway, moving on. For now, focusing on the lecture is the priority. I shook the stray thoughts from my head.
Once I cleared my mind and looked forward, I saw the professor lecturing in a calm, quiet voice.
The professor, characterized by his tall stature and lanky frame, was named Hollard. He held a prominent position as an Archbishop within the Luminous Order and was a man of great reputation.
I listened to his explanation for a moment before glancing around. Perhaps because theology is as dry as history, there weren't many students in the lecture hall. Those present were likely devout followers of their respective gods.
How did I know? Because many students who joined out of curiosity fled after encountering boredom beyond their wildest imaginations. Personally, I find it interesting enough to attend regularly. The problem was...
Nod... nod...
Mari, who was currently sitting next to me, was dozing off. I watched her intently as her head bobbed, her eyelids half-closed.
Every time her head dipped, the pen in her hand scrawled a random line across her notebook, and her silky white hair began to slowly veil her face.
Eventually, Mari’s eyelids closed completely, and her head slumped forward. She had moved past dozing and fallen fast asleep.
I’m pretty sure she was paying attention until last week...
For context, theology is a 9:00 AM class. What on earth was Mari doing last night to be nodding off during the very first lecture?
I was curious, but I figured it was best to wake her up. Since I couldn't just touch her, I brought my hand near her ear.
Snap!
"...Mmm?"
At the sound of my finger snapping, Mari flinched and slowly lifted her head. As she did, the hair that had been hanging like a curtain parted slightly. Looking at her profile, she had a completely dazed expression.
Certain that she wasn't fully awake yet, I spoke.
"You back with us?"
"...Huh?"
At my question, Mari turned her head toward me in a half-conscious state. Her hazy eyes gave her a different kind of charm than usual. Since she was always so energetic, this was a fresh look for her.
Even as I thought that, Mari still seemed unable to grasp the situation. She blinked a few times and looked toward the front. Realizing the professor was lecturing, she turned back to me and asked in a voice full of disbelief.
"...Did I seriously fall asleep?"
"Yeah. You were nodding off quite gracefully."
"Ugh..."
Mari groaned, rubbing her eyes at my answer. While she tried to shake off the sleepiness, I voiced the question I’d been holding.
"What were you doing yesterday to be sleeping through the first class?"
"...Xenon Biography."
"What?"
"Hwaaaa-am..."
Mari let out a long yawn and answered in a groggy voice.
"I stayed up all night re-reading it from Volume 1 to the latest one. I only meant to read up to Volume 3, but somehow I ended up finishing the whole thing..."
"..."
"You know. Professor Virus told us to predict the future plot of Xenon Biography for our group assignment."
I was speechless. The group assignments were set to begin in earnest in a week. I suppose she was doing her best to research in her own way.
Still, it wasn't good to be so overzealous that it ruined her sleep cycle. Doing that might lead to losing both birds with one stone.
"Still, take it easy. Otherwise, you'll find it hard to focus on lectures like today."
"But it's so good, what am I supposed to do? I'm already dying for the next volume..."
I could only offer a bitter smile internally at Mari’s grumbling. As the author, I was happy, but the next volume wouldn't be out for at least another two months.
Before entering the Academy, I had a backlog of chapters, so Volume 8 could be released relatively quickly. But now, I barely had time to write, and once exam season hit, it would be even harder.
Not only that, but considering the time I spent teaching Cindy composition and tutoring Mari and Cecile in history, my free time was practically non-existent. I was heading back to my dormitory to write during every break, but even I needed a breather.
Though, thanks to that, I can refine the setting more thoroughly...
The papers and books in the laboratory were proving to be an immense help. Furthermore, while Cindy lacked writing skills, she was quite knowledgeable about history and had clearly explained several points I was curious about.
Because of this, Volume 9 of Xenon Biography was shaping up to be an interesting episode in many ways. The demon executives, who had only been hinted at so far, would begin to make their move, delivering a series of fresh shocks to the readers.
This was because the demon executives included not only humans, beastkin, and demons, but even an elf. For the record, the background setting utilized the 'Seven Deadly Sins' commonly found in subcultures from my previous life, and each executive possessed a unique ability.
While I was briefly lost in thought over the settings, Mari muttered quietly as she peered at her notebook.
"...I guess I really was out of it. What did I even write here?"
"It’s less 'writing' and more just a long line."
"Hmph. Sorry, but do you have notes? If you show them to me, I'll buy you something delicious."
"Sigh... just this once, okay?"
"Thanks~"
When I showed her my notes, Mari smiled brightly and began to copy them down. However, there was one thing I had overlooked.
"Mmm..."
"..."
The fact that sleepiness isn't something that vanishes easily.
I could only watch in absurdity as Mari started nodding off again while halfway through copying my notes. Why did she even ask to see them if she was going to do this?
Just as I let out a deep sigh and prepared to wake her up again—
"Just let her sleep. Mari loves her sleep; if she stays up late once, she’ll be drowsy all day."
It was Lina, sitting to my right. She was looking at the nodding Mari with an 'as usual' expression.
Hearing her words, I asked if it was really okay.
"Is that really alright? What if she gets demerit points..."
"It's fine. Mari has already studied this, so her theology grades will be decent. I can guarantee that, since we were educated together in the Imperial Palace."
From what Lina said, it seemed she and Mari had undergone separate advanced courses in the past. I suppose as an Imperial Princess and the daughter of a Duke, they would have received an education entirely different from other nobles.
Listening to her, I brought up a question I’d been harboring.
"I've been wondering for a while, but how long have you and Mari known each other?"
"Probably... since we were about ten? I believe that's when we first met."
"I see."
"Why do you ask?"
"Just curious."
Usually, Mari seemed uncomfortable around Lina. I could tell that much just by the way her expression soured whenever she looked at the Princess.
However, since I couldn't exactly ask the parties involved for the reason, I planned to keep that curiosity buried.
Lina gave a small chuckle, perhaps finding my answer a bit bland, and then called my name.
"Isaac."
"Yes."
"Are you interested in gatherings, by any chance?"
"Gatherings?"
"Yes. A gathering."
While I looked at her with a puzzled expression, Lina smiled brightly and spoke.
"There’s a gathering coming up soon. It’s only for freshmen, but there will be a lot of people since it includes both the Literature and Martial Studies departments."
"...This is the first I've heard of it."
"My older brother told me about it in advance. The Academy will be announcing it soon anyway. What do you think?"
Lina looked me straight in the eye and made the suggestion again, her face filled with anticipation and interest.
"Will you attend, Isaac?"
She called it a suggestion or a request.
"Attendance is technically optional, but personally, I really want you to come."
But to me, it was no different from a command from the Imperial Princess.
...This is rough.
If Volume 9 of Xenon Biography comes out late, it’s Lina’s fault.