Chapter 273: Isaac's Imagination(1)
Chapter 273: Isaac's Imagination(1)
The reason I fled to Helium just before the release of Volume 20 was, as expected, because of my mother.
Her affection for the Jin-Lily couple was on another level. I didn't even need to see it to know that she would fly into a towering rage once she saw the ending of Volume 20.
If I wasn't careful, my head might have ended up bursting like a piece of fruit, so it was better to seek refuge quickly.
Now, you might ask why I didn't just tell her that Jin doesn't actually die. Well, I try to refrain from giving spoilers, even to my acquaintances.
I once accidentally spoiled something for Cecile and ended up causing her great disappointment. Since that incident, I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut.
My current task was to escape my mother's "pressure" and write Volume 21. The reason I came to Helium was also to enjoy a more comfortable environment for writing.
Of course, I didn't come to Helium alone. I brought along Marie, who was planning to stay at the mansion for the duration of the break, as well as Adelia.
We would probably stay at the Helium Royal Palace for about a fortnight. Until then, my priority was finishing Volume 21.
"So, son-in-law. Does Jin really die?"
"..."
They say you jump out of the frying pan and into the fire, and that was exactly how I felt. I froze the moment I heard Aisilia's question.
As soon as I stopped moving, I felt countless gazes piercing through me. The eyes of everyone sitting at the table, including the King of Helium, Descal, were fixed on me.
Currently, my group and I were enjoying a peaceful break at the palace.
It was a gathering arranged to introduce Marie and Adelia to Cecile's parents and to get to know one another.
Cecile had agreed it was a good idea, so we were having a peaceful tea time—at least, until that question was asked.
He doesn't die, but...
I could only manage a bitter smile at Aisilia's question. My tongue was itching to tell her he wouldn't die, but if I did, the impact of Volume 21 would be diminished.
The contents of Volume 21 are deeply related to the inner nature of the Demon race—specifically, the darkness within. It’s one of the most famous clichés from my previous life.
The "Berserk" or "Awakening" cliché, where hidden power erupts from within during a moment of crisis.
Demons fight against their inner evil, and if they lose, they become devils and lay waste to their surroundings. This isn't just a setting in a book; it's a reality in this world as well.
To prevent this, the Demon race holds "restraint" as a virtue. Even if they occasionally give in to desire, they don't typically turn into devils.
However, there are moments when that restraint completely collapses. Like when one falls into despair after losing a lover—like Lilith, the personification of Lust—or when one's life is hanging by a thread, like Jin in Volume 20.
Just as there's a metaphor for "snapping," the awakening event in Volume 21 is part of that process.
"Ahem. Aisilia. Please refrain from such questions. Our son-in-law must have his own plans."
When I only offered a troubled, bitter smile, my quick-witted father-in-law, Descal, stepped in to stop her. Fortunately, he had some consideration—
"Still, now that it's been mentioned, I am curious. Could you tell just us?"
...Or not. They really were two of a kind. Their matching red eyes were filled with deep curiosity.
Then again, they were Demons, so it was a natural question. I looked at them for a moment before turning my gaze to the right.
To my right, even Cecile was looking at me with wide, expectant red eyes. Like father, like daughter, I suppose.
Finally, I looked to my left, where several pairs of blue-toned eyes were focused on me, though their shades differed. As expected, it was Marie and Adelia.
From my perspective, it was an incredibly awkward situation, but interestingly, they all wore similar expressions.
However, as I said before, I had no intention of telling them. I feigned composure and lifted my steaming cup of coffee.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot tell you. It's going to be a very important part of the story."
"Is that so? Then I suppose we have no choice but to wait for the next volume."
Not only my father-in-law but also my mother-in-law beside him openly showed their disappointment. As I sipped my coffee, I glanced sideways and saw the others felt the same.
The ending of Volume 20 was truly the talk of the town. According to the news I’d heard, protesters were camping out in front of the publishing house, just like they did during the hiatus threat.
To be precise, they weren't really protesters, but just crowds of fans demanding to know if the ending was real.
"Seeing as you won't even tell us, it must be some really important content, huh?"
While I was quietly drinking my coffee, Cecile, sitting on my right, asked me in a somewhat playful voice.
It looked like she was trying to bait me, but it wouldn't work. Cecile was excellent at discerning a person's true intentions, almost as if she could read minds.
But that only worked for uncovering hidden intent; if truth and lies were properly mixed, it was difficult to tell them apart.
In other words, as long as I remained silent or spoke ambiguously, there was no risk of being caught.
"If it weren't, I would have told you, wouldn't I?"
"That's true. I'll bet on him not dying."
Cecile shrugged and seemed to let it go. In fact, like her, one could roughly guess that Jin wouldn't die.
This was because there were far too many foreshadowings and plot hooks left for Jin. Any reader who analyzed the text carefully rather than just getting swept up in the emotion could tell he wouldn't die.
However, this was a world where the concepts of clichés and "death flags" hadn't even been established yet. It was understandable that people were confused.
"By the way, I was really surprised to find out that Jin's biological father was Gluttony. I suspected it to some extent, but I didn't think it would actually be true."
"I completely agree with that. Honestly, from the moment that was revealed, Jin's defeat was a foregone conclusion. Mental strength plays a huge role in battle, after all."
"The fact that Jin's horns were larger than other Demons and his black mana was more concentrated was also foreshadowing."
Aside from that, the fact that Jin's biological father was Gluttony, Beelzebub, had also been revealed. It was somewhat overshadowed by Jin's "death," but it had still come as a shock to the readers.
In the Xenon Chronicle, Jin tracks down and confronts Beelzebub, who was secretly working to overthrow Helium and Pandemonium.
However, due to the shocking secret of his birth revealed by Beelzebub, Jin couldn't even put up a proper fight and was defeated.
If the secret hadn't been revealed, Lily would have joined him later and forced Beelzebub to retreat.
But even that would have been a problem. Beelzebub was dangerous not just because of his power, but because of his very existence; he had to be removed from the stage somehow.
He was a guy who planned to scatter black mana throughout Pandemonium to turn all Demons into devils. Because of that danger, he had to be dealt with quickly.
"But as much as Jin's situation was shocking, Gluttony's plan was truly chilling. To think he wanted to scatter black mana across all of Pandemonium to turn every Demon into a devil..."
Right on cue, Aisilia brought up that topic. She reacted as if just imagining it gave her the creeps.
This part wasn't just a "Why is this real?" moment; it was based on actual research. It was a theory that came from comparing modern Demons with the first generation.
If a modern Demon were exposed to the black mana possessed by the first generation, what would happen?
Modern black mana has turned into pure darkness, but the first generation's was riddled with all sorts of filthy and evil energy.
In particular, modern Demons hold "restraint" as a virtue, which makes them vulnerable in many ways.
There was even research suggesting that the "evil cycle" occurs because of these customs. The idea was that because they suppress their desires so much, it manifests as a physiological phenomenon.
"It's certainly a very realistic story. If the existence of demon worshippers hadn't been brought to light, they might have actually tried it."
"Thanks to that, the citizens have become more vigilant. Furthermore, their sense of restraint has grown even stronger, as they've vowed not to be swayed by black mana."
"Is this a book of prophecy, or what?"
Cecile looked at me with a bright smile. Her smile was one thing, but Descal and Aisilia nodding in agreement was even more impressive.
Indeed, as Beelzebub's insidious plan was revealed, the world—especially Helium—was struck with horror.
The plan was just too realistic. Fortunately, a "Why is this real?" incident hadn't actually happened yet, but it was still quite a burden.
I was already being treated as a savior by the Demons, and that tendency seemed to have grown even stronger. Now, it wasn't just salvation; it was bordering on worship.
"I keep thinking about it, but I still can't believe our son-in-law is the benefactor who saved our race."
"Is it just you, Mother? I'm sure Marie and Adelia feel the same way."
As the mother and daughter exchanged words, Marie and Adelia's reactions were quite a sight.
Marie, looking proud, puffed out her chest with a confident attitude, while Adelia looked embarrassed.
For the record, Adelia had come as my guard knight, but since she was now my woman, she was sitting right there with us.
"Of course, I'll be the one to have his child first."
"Cecile, you! Again! Again!"
"Can't you just yield this one time? I don't think I can wait until graduation."
"No way. I might yield on other things, but absolutely not when it comes to a child."
Their private battle began once again. It looked like a cat and a fox fighting, so I couldn't even get a word in.
Our Golden Retriever (Adelia) was just nibbling on snacks while watching them warily. She really was cute like that.
Descal and Aisilia just watched without intervening; it seemed they were cheering for their daughter in their hearts while also acknowledging Marie as the primary wife.
In particular, they didn't seem to care how many women I had. Perhaps they considered it natural since I was the savior of the Demon race.
To be honest, I had wondered if it was okay to introduce Marie and Adelia to them, but the conversation was going well.
"Then will our son-in-law be staying in Helium for the time being?"
In the midst of the warm atmosphere, Aisilia asked me. Her gentle smile was the spitting image of Cecile's.
For now, I planned to stay in Helium as she said. Unless some natural disaster occurred, I intended to finish writing all of Volume 21 here.
"Yes. I think I'll stay until I've finished Volume 21."
"That's wonderful. Then, perhaps when you're finished..."
"I'm sorry."
When I bowed my head and flatly refused, Aisilia looked disappointed.
Still, it wasn't as if she hadn't expected it. Moreover, seeing her immediately apologize, she seemed to know it had been a rude request.
"In that case, we in Helium will provide you with the utmost convenience."
"Thank you for your kindness."
"Kindness? The grace we have received from you is something we could never repay in a lifetime."
I gave an embarrassed smile at his gratitude. Having the King of Helium heap such praise on me was a bit bashful.
Knock, knock, knock—
While we were enjoying our peaceful tea time, someone knocked on the door. At the sound, all our gazes turned toward the door.
I heard that orders had been given for no one to enter during the tea time, so who could be knocking?
Just showing this scene to anyone would be enough to raise suspicions in many ways. And yet, someone had knocked.
It had to be something incredibly urgent. With a questioning look, Descal spoke.
"Who is it? I clearly said not to disturb us."
[My apologies, Your Majesty. I have urgent news to deliver.]
A servant's voice came from beyond the door. It seemed to be a situation that the King needed to hear personally.
Sensing that something was amiss, Descal stood up and headed toward the door.
It was safer for him to go out and check personally rather than letting the servant inside.
The situation we were in was enough to arouse suspicion just by being seen.
Creeeak—
As the door opened, Descal began to listen to the urgent report the servant was delivering through the gap. My gaze, along with everyone else's, was fixed on him.
After finishing the conversation with the servant, Descal slowly closed the door. He stood still for a moment after closing it, appearing lost in thought.
"Dear. Is something wrong?"
Only after Aisilia asked worriedly did Descal turn his head. His red eyes were etched with complex emotions, including concern.
In the somewhat heavy atmosphere, when no one found it easy to speak, Descal's gaze shifted.
Not to anyone else, but precisely to me. Then, he spoke in a voice filled with complexity.
"It's nothing much. It's just... surprising."
"Surprising?"
"Yes."
Descal walked over to me and patted me on the shoulder.
"Thank you, truly."
Why are you suddenly like this?
"As I thought, you are surely a blessing sent to us by Lady Mora."
I just wrote a book.
Around the same time. The Luminous Temple in the Maishal Territory.
Cardinal Kate of the Church of Light was living at the temple.
However, no matter how much she revered and even worshipped Isaac as a Saint, she did not forget to faithfully carry out her primary duties.
Those duties, as everyone knew, were to subjugate heretics and demons. Befitting her position as Grand Inquisitor, she was the type to be dispatched immediately whenever an issue arose.
She was staying here because of the special event that was the exhibition, but she was ready to move at any time if something happened.
That remained true even after Volume 20 of the Xenon Chronicle was released to the world.
Kate had already firmly decided that the Xenon Chronicle was a book of prophecy, and she was slowly tightening the noose around the demon worshippers' necks based on the contents of each new volume.
"So even this content was true."
"Yes. The plan itself was scrapped due to the risks involved, but it is said to be a plan that was actually formulated."
Currently, she was nodding after hearing the "urgent report" delivered by a believer. At the same time, her heart began to race.
It was just as she had expected. Beelzebub's evil plan from Volume 20.
The wicked plan to cover all of Pandemonium in black mana and turn all Demons into devils had actually existed in reality.
Although it had been scrapped within the demon worshippers' ranks due to fears of conflict with the Demon race, humans weren't the only ones among the demon worshippers.
Long ago, the radical faction of the Demon tribe, who had gone berserk while being suppressed by the Savior, had also joined hands with the demon worshippers to take revenge on the world.
This was one of the pieces of information discovered not by the Savior, but by Helium's secret organization, the 'Reapers.' The Reapers' main purpose was to provide rest for their kin who had turned into devils, but they also occasionally carried out intelligence activities.
And they had obtained information that a plan identical to the one in Volume 20 had been made. That information had just been delivered to the Savior, with whom they were collaborating.
"It was a plan made so long ago that it was almost overlooked?"
"Yes. It was planned 300 years ago, so even the documents were hard to find. Coincidentally, it matches the timing of the demon summoning ritual that was carried out back then. If the summoning had been successful, they would have executed the plan immediately."
"Is there a possibility of it being implemented again?"
"It's very high. Original plans often reach success the more they fail."
Kate wore a thin smile. Now, only failure would remain, not success. Because the Xenon Chronicle had exposed that evil plan in its entirety.
The Demons of Helium had also begun to take heed, as the story was so realistic. If a resident went missing, everyone, regardless of age or gender, would work together to find them.
After the spoiler incident, Kate felt the demon worshippers' plans slowly falling apart and quietly closed her eyes.
All of this was thanks to Isaac, the author of the Xenon Chronicle. Kate felt her heart pounding and placed a hand on her chest.
Every time his holy scripture(?) was released, it felt as if the world was being filled with light.
I want to receive his seed as soon as possible, but...
She shouldn't interfere. For now, she had to be faithful to her primary duties.
Kate slowly opened her eyes and looked at the believer in front of her. Her blue eyes were merciful, but for a moment, they seemed to flicker with a burning fire.
"I understand. Then, what did they say in Helium?"
"First, they plan to make an official announcement. Their priority is to completely end the citizens' anxiety."
"Understood."
While the Church of Light was preparing countermeasures like this...
I'm really not a regressor or anything like that, right?
[I told you, no. It's just an incident arising from cultural differences.]
It's not just one or two things for that to be the case. You're sure, right?
[If you are a resident of this world, I will give you my divine rank.]
Isaac ran to Mora and once again questioned his own identity.