Chapter 399: The Story(2)
Chapter 399: The Story(2)
Demons were publicly known as invaders from another dimension. The Demon Clan was also understood to be a race born from the suffering inflicted by those very demons.
It was the only logical conclusion, as the demons appearing in literature had arrived suddenly, without any 'omen,' and proceeded to plunder the world.
Furthermore, at the time, they possessed power equal to, if not greater than, the Elves. It was only natural to perceive them as beings from another world.
Yet, to think those demons were actually humans from this world—specifically, from a fallen kingdom. Considering the origin of the Demon Clan, it seemed to make sense, but it was nonetheless shocking.
"…The demons were actually the people of a fallen kingdom?"
I wasn't the only one who found it hard to believe. In the deathly silence, Mari was the first to speak.
At her question, Clark nodded heavily, as if his words held not a single lie. A brief silence followed.
Did he use the entire nation as a sacrifice?
Sacrificing an entire country to gain power rivaling a god. It was a fairly famous cliché from my previous life, but this was the first time I had heard of it actually happening.
As seen in a certain alchemist manga, given the scale, it would require a complex preparation process and, crucially, time.
But the most important factor here was the motive. In that manga, the tragedy occurred because a mastermind instigated it without properly explaining the side effects.
Then, for what reason did Morgan, the last king of Gerios, sacrifice his own country?
What could he have lacked, especially when he already had super soldiers fed with thousands of souls?
I looked around at the others, who were struggling to process the shock, and spoke seriously.
"Can I believe those words?"
[Believe it or not, it matters little to me. I merely read the records I found.]
"If you mean records…"
[Things I discovered while tracking them down. I burned them all.]
"Why? You could have hidden them somewhere or entrusted them to someone you trust."
Clark had gone so far as to burn his own diary to erase his tracks. However, I never dreamed he would go as far as to destroy the secrets of the world itself.
When I voiced my regret, he let out a hollow chuckle. Then, leaning his upper body forward, he spoke in a low, sunken voice.
His tone sounded lonely, almost like a lamentation for the world.
[Grandson. Just as a god's presence is vast, so too is the shadow they cast.]
"… …"
[There was a fellow hiding in that shadow, masquerading as a priest. Fortunately, he has now received divine punishment, but with such people around, whom could I possibly trust?]
His words were heavy with meaning. Clark was undoubtedly referring to the fallen Cardinal, Bark.
When it was revealed that he was actually a demon worshipper, not just the Holy Nation 'Savior' but the entire world was literally turned upside down.
Bark had been respected by many, and there were even rumors that he would have become the next Pope if more time had passed.
That was likely why Clark had set out on his journey alone. In a world gone mad, he could only trust himself.
"…I understand. Then, for what reason did King Morgan sacrifice his country? There was no need for Gerios to go that far."
[The records I found said this: The last king of Gerios made a foolish judgment born of misguided greed. But since he became the being he so yearned for—something beyond an Elf—is that not a good thing? His army shall spread across the world, and his people shall be blessed and happy forevermore.]
Judging by Clark's words, it seemed the true goal of Morgan, the last king of Gerios, was world conquest. He was also aware of the fact that humans could not surpass Elves.
Possessing greed far beyond his station, he must have made a foolish decision. I had no idea who incited him or who the mastermind was, though.
The irony here was that he actually became a demon, a race stronger than Elves. Since he came close to swallowing the world, one could say his goal was achieved.
The problem was that the process was entirely filled with destruction and negative emotions. I clicked my tongue inwardly.
"There are many things that bother me, but… King Morgan got what he wanted. Just in the worst way possible."
[So it seems.]
"But there was a separate mastermind, right?"
[I cannot be certain, but there likely was. He wouldn't have committed such madness otherwise.]
History is full of examples of the calamities that occur when those in power are consumed by excessive greed. This was simply on a scale even larger than World War II.
It was an event where the world nearly perished due to misplaced ambition. At the same time, however, several questions arose.
First and foremost, why didn't the ancestor of the Maishal family, who was a slave, turn into a demon? Clark also found this part puzzling.
"You said our ancestor lived as a slave to a demon worshipper, right? Even after the Demon War."
[That is correct.]
"When did he start fighting back?"
[That is uncertain. There was only a record that one day, a red-haired slave escaped, and the king went to deal with him personally, only for them both to die. Everything after that was passed down by word of mouth.]
"Did he not play any role in the Demon War?"
[I told you earlier, he was held captive by the demons.]
"Hmm…"
It wasn't enough. This alone wasn't enough.
It felt like the pieces didn't quite fit, and the relationship between King Morgan and the slave was unclear.
Of course, it was likely that King Morgan and the slave were close. He did say the king kept him by his side.
However, the fact that the slave didn't become a demon was highly suspicious. Why would he choose not to become a demon, a monster born even at the cost of thousands of souls?
Did he develop a conscience at the end, or did he decide this wasn't right the moment he saw the king turn into a demon?
No matter how much I thought about it, no plausible story came to mind, so it seemed better to set it aside for now.
"Setting aside the origin of demons, the literature says they poured out like a tidal wave. Even if the entire population of the kingdom became demons as you said, Grandfather, that alone seems insufficient…"
[Imagine the entire Demon Clan charging while spamming magic. Nowadays, some level of resistance is possible, but what could the humans of 3,000 years ago have done?]
That made sense immediately. To any race other than the Elves, the demons must have been more than just a disaster.
Morale would plummet just from a few Meteors or lightning bolts falling from the sky. The very act of resisting was a courageous feat.
Furthermore, they likely captured people to use as experimental subjects to create mindless demons, or the Demon Clan was born as a side effect of that.
There are records stating that at the time, almost all civilizations except Albenheim were reset, and the population was reduced by more than 80%.
While not all of that 80% would have turned into demons, even 10% would be a staggering number, so it was by no means an exaggeration.
"Cecile really needs to hear this story…"
Perhaps because it was a fact deeply connected to the Demon Clan, Mari muttered in a small voice. I agreed with her.
This applied not just to Cecile, but to others as well. If I asked Arwen, she might be able to find records regarding the Kingdom of Gerios.
Finding things in Albenheim was purely a matter of luck; searching for related books in that vast library was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
"I'll have to tell her later. I should invite her here soon. And Arwen too. Oh, and maybe Lina…"
"Just call everyone, why don't you? Everyone. I'm suddenly getting annoyed."
As I listed the names of the women around me, Mari grumbled. Her crossed arms and pouting lips spoke volumes about her mood.
Granted, she had accepted the situation, but since she was naturally jealous, it was bound to upset her. I could only offer an awkward smile.
[Hahaha. Our grandson is certainly popular. Indeed, a fine man should naturally meet many women.]
On the contrary, Clark seemed to approve, nodding as he laughed heartily.
At that, Mari spoke sharply with a piercing gaze.
"Don't tell me you had multiple wives as well, Grandfather?"
[That wasn't the case, though I did meet many women during my travels. I only married one, Hawk's mother.]
"Isaac is the strange one, isn't he? Even my father-in-law only has one wife, despite his fame and martial prowess."
[Up until my generation, life was about wandering here and there, child. Even if there were people with the same blood flowing through them somewhere, there were few I truly bonded with.]
"I thought so… Wait, what? People with the same blood?"
Mari, sensing something strange in his answer, asked back in great confusion.
Feeling the same way, I stared at him with wide eyes. Even my father looked intrigued.
But to Clark, it seemed like a trivial matter, as he spoke in his characteristically casual tone.
[If you occasionally see someone with red hair, you can generally assume our family's blood flows through them. Though extremely rare, they must be out there somewhere.]
"I-I see. I suppose it's not like there were no siblings."
[Well, it will be truly difficult to find any by my generation. There was an order from the demon worshippers to kill everyone with red hair. Though I've wiped them all out now.]
"… …"
Clark was the type to say chilling things quite casually. He likely perceived his achievements as things that simply had to be done.
That didn't mean it was a bluff, though. Even if it was in a dream, I had personally seen him strike down the Demon Lords with his own hands.
In reality, although he had some help from the terrain, the mere fact that he discovered the underground temple proved his capability.
[So, grandson. May I ask you one thing?]
"Ah, yes, yes. You may."
[Are you going to write what I've told you in a book? You know, that Xenon Biography thing or whatever.]
I gave a bitter smile at the question. In truth, everything he told me was more than enough material.
A king who sold his entire nation to demons, a passing hero who left behind a lone hope, and so on.
They were all things that would draw interest, but unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to include them in the Xenon Biography.
"No. I won't be able to put it in the Xenon Biography right away. It's almost finished."
[Is that so?]
"Instead, I plan to write a story similar to yours as a side story. Is there anything you'd like?"
[Eh. Why would you write my story? It's embarrassing.]
Clark waved a hand, looking bashful. I realized that he actually felt shy about such things.
[I'll think about it if you give me a smoke instead.]
"Forget it. Writing is up to me, so I'll handle it."
[Hoho. Can't the law guarantee this?]
"Since you've already passed away, Grandfather, it should be fine."
[Look at this kid's attitude. He's the spitting image of my son.]
"It's Father who's the eccentric one. When are you ever going to quit those damn cigarettes?"
The three generations bickered for a moment, but it didn't last long. It seemed Clark had cracked a joke to lighten the mood.
Though his love for tobacco seemed genuine. I should buy him an expensive one when I have the time. I can just ask Musk.
"Hwaaa-am…"
While the story was interesting and shocking to us, it seemed tedious to Ariel. As she let out a long yawn, everyone's eyes turned toward her.
Seeing the sprout on her head drooping down and her eyes half-closed, it seemed it was time for her nap.
Since we also needed to eat and organize Clark's armor, it was better to end the conversation here.
"I'll go put Ariel to sleep for a bit. She seems very tired."
[Go ahead. Ah, would it be alright if I came along? I want to see my great-granddaughter sleeping.]
"Yes. Please do."
One way or another, his love for his children and descendants was exceptional. I picked up the nodding Ariel and headed to the room.
Clark stood up and followed behind me. My father tried to follow as well, but Clark stopped him with a wave of his hand.
Normally, I would have let her sleep on the living room bed, but given the current situation, it was better to put her down in the room.
"Zzz…"
"What do you think? She's cute, right?"
[She is cute. I never thought I'd get to see such a sight.]
All sleeping children are cute, but Ariel was even cuter. When I asked proudly, Clark nodded in agreement.
I wondered if it would be a bit of a horror show if Ariel opened her eyes right now. Seeing a skeleton's face right in front of her.
Of course, since she had been listening perfectly fine until a moment ago, she probably wouldn't be startled.
[You said she was a gift given by Lord Hirt in praise of your achievements?]
"Yes. That's right."
[Hmm…]
Clark looked around after hearing my answer. He seemed to be checking if anyone was listening.
Then, he whispered softly into my ear.
[Child. How much do you believe in the gods?]
"Pardon?"
[I asked how much you believe in the gods.]
It was a question that might sound out of the blue. However, Clark was very serious.
Furthermore, was he not the person who had discovered the truth of the world on his own? Speaking so secretly suggested something unusual.
At this, I glanced at the soundly sleeping Ariel before speaking quietly.
"…They are beings I can trust."
[Trustworthy, you say… Like that Cardinal named Kate?]
"It's not to the point of fanaticism."
[Then that is a relief.]
"Did you discover something related to the gods as well?"
At my tentative question, Clark answered ambiguously.
[I did, but it is such a sensitive matter… I cannot speak of it now.]
"Why not?"
[That, too, is difficult to say. This is all I can tell you.]
Clark took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before speaking.
[Do not trust the gods too much.]
"… …"
[I am not telling you to distrust them. It is fine to think of them as close friends, and it does not matter if you think of them as parents. However, whether it be a friend or a parent, it is only natural for every person to have things they hide. I do not know how it will affect you, but since they are Transcendent Beings and not mortals like us, it is difficult for me to speak carelessly.]
What truth had he seen? What truth had he heard from the demon worshippers that made him unable to speak?
I grew more and more curious. However, I was someone whose range of action was extremely limited.
I couldn't go out anywhere to find the truth, and even if I asked the gods directly, there was no way they would answer.
For now, I would simply believe what Clark told me. I nodded and replied.
"I understand. But it's true that they are beings I can trust, right?"
[That is so.]
"Then that's enough. They give me plenty of divine power, so I have no reason to dislike them."
[If that is how you think…]
Clark patted my head as if he were proud of me.
His hand was nothing but bone, but for some reason, I felt warmth.
"Ah. By the way, Grandfather. What was your favorite tobacco?"
[I liked most of them, but dried World Tree leaves were the best. They were damn expensive, so I only smoked them once before I died.]
"I'll get those for you. You don't have to worry about the money."
[Oh! Is that true? Our grandson is the best! Much better than my son!]
My father would be truly upset if he heard that.