Chapter 556: Canned Food(2)
Chapter 556: Canned Food(2)
Quite a few people are probably wondering.
Setting aside the fact that an unintended pregnancy threw all my plans into disarray, they might ask if there’s really a need to rush the conclusion of Blood and Iron.
They might wonder why I’d go so far as to use the Room of Spirit and Time when I’m already releasing a volume every three days.
To get straight to the point: yes, there is a need. My next work, which will be set against the backdrop of the gods' hidden past, is one thing, but time is simply running out.
I need to have it written at least before the expedition team begins exploring the capital of the Kingdom of Gerios. On top of that, there’s the upcoming Xenon Festival to consider.
For the time being, Blood and Iron will consist of nothing but stories of war and diplomacy anyway. After the United States enters the fray, all that’s left is a righteous beatdown.
Of course, there are many details to cover: the Nazi Holocaust, the Soviet Union’s sheer numbers, the physical might of the US, the Japanese samurai spirit, and so on.
Along with that, I plan to gradually showcase the exploits of famous generals from each nation—especially those with distinct personalities, like Patton.
But as I mentioned, Marie’s pregnancy has made my schedule incredibly tight. I can’t leave the Academy either, since Cherry is still a student here.
I don’t want to break my promise to her, and since the Academy serves as a meeting plaza of sorts, I can’t easily give it up.
That’s why I said I’d serve as a professor. Instead of starting immediately, however, I’ll ask for an arrangement that simply allows me to stay at the Academy.
If I were to start lecturing right away without any preparation, I’d be exposed as a fraud in no time. I might have created terms that are easy to understand, but I’m just borrowing strength from my past life.
Regardless of the era, most professors are genuine "geniuses." For me, the pressure is inevitable.
Furthermore, while Halo Academy might not be on the same level as the Holy Land of Albenheim, it is still an institution where renowned professors gather.
If even the students being taught are far beyond the average person, imagine what the professors are like. In essence, I’ll be an honorary professor.
‘The effect will be worth it, though.’
I don’t necessarily need to give lectures. My mere presence at Halo Academy will generate immense influence.
Of course, I don’t intend to just coast. If I’m going to be the poster boy, I’ll do it properly, so I plan to at least hold an orientation.
Therefore, I plan to serialize Blood and Iron as much as possible within the Room of Spirit and Time. Now that I’ve attained divinity, it should be a breeze.
‘Mario—no, Mr. Calz is... hmm...’
If there’s one thing weighing on my mind, it’s the illustrator who will be "canned" with me: Calz Zvasa.
I’ve been sending him sketches consistently, but his skill is something that can never be ignored.
I believe Calz is responsible for about 10% of the immersion in Blood and Iron.
Unlike the Xenon Biography, Blood and Iron is full of things that are impossible to understand without illustrations. Tanks and bombers alone are difficult to explain without pictures.
‘I sent him a letter, but it’ll be hard for him to keep up with my writing speed.’
That’s a fact. No matter how talented Calz is, unlike me, who will be literally locked away, he’ll have to grind his body and soul to dust.
I can’t help but worry about his health. I told him to use my name at the Temple, but that alone might not be enough.
Part of me wants to work with Calz inside the Room of Spirit and Time.
However, when I’m writing, I prefer to be alone. Otherwise, I can’t concentrate.
Calz is likely the same. Artists usually prefer solitude to focus on their work.
‘Is it possible?’
So, I asked Mora directly. I had already told Marie and my family that I was going to the Temple for a bit.
The reason I asked Mora instead of Luminous was that she is the Goddess of Rest.
When it comes to matters of the mind and spirit, Mora is superior to Luminous. This was something I heard from Luminous himself.
[You’re asking if you can invite the artist named Calz here?]
‘Yes.’
[It’s not impossible. It would consume a significant amount of divine power, but since you’ve attained divinity yourself, that’s a moot point. However, you won’t be going in separately; you’ll have to enter together.]
‘Hmm...’
That might make things awkward for both of us. Calz, in particular, would probably find me quite burdensome.
But for the sake of his health and the work, he needs to be "canned." The question is whether he’ll agree to it.
Part of me wants to just drag him along, shouting, "You are my slave, you have no right to refuse!"
Even if it were just a joke, Calz would have no choice but to comply with tears in his eyes. My reputation being what it is, he wouldn't have much of a choice.
‘I suppose the concept of an "assistant" doesn't exist here.’
Webtoon authors in my past life usually hired assistants for smooth workflow.
But here, that concept doesn't exist; there are only apprentices—masters and disciples.
I don’t know if Calz has any apprentices, but considering his workload, he likely doesn't.
Even though I release a volume every three days, I give him long breaks in between because his working speed couldn't keep up.
So, being "canned" together in the Room of Spirit and Time is the best solution.
‘I understand for now. I’ll have to ask Mr. Calz for his opinion.’
[What will you do if he refuses?]
‘What else? I’ll just have to release them according to Mr. Calz’s pace. I don’t mind.’
My job is done once I finish the story. The rest is just a matter of releasing them slowly to match Calz’s speed.
However, I have no idea when the Grey Desert expedition team will explore the palace of the Kingdom of Gerios.
Elena expects it to take at least six months to a year.
Assuming Blood and Iron concludes around Volume 40, releasing one volume a week would take about 150 days.
The timeframe fits perfectly, but it’s uncertain if Calz can endure it.
The serialization period of Blood and Iron will likely be determined by his working speed.
[There’s no need to rush, is there? Though I suppose I can’t say much if that girl’s pregnancy has given you more to worry about.]
‘Marie is one thing, but the Demon Worshippers are also bothering me.’
[Demon Worshippers? Why them?]
‘Because I have no idea what they’re actually after.’
The ultimate goal of the Demon Worshippers is the resurrection of the God of the Sea and the revelation of the truth.
The fact that they live in the underworld committing all sorts of crimes is likely due to pressure from the gods.
Over time, they completely dominated the underworld and expanded into the light, nearly corrupting even Savior.
Looking at this alone, they seem like mere evil intent on throwing the world into chaos, but my perspective shifted slightly after learning the truth about the gods.
‘The Demon Worshippers have been quiet since Blood and Iron began publication. Specifically, during the Luddite incident—the machine-breaking movement—they hanged the weaver who had framed them.’
[Hmm.]
‘Looking at this, the Demon Worshippers' goal is clear. Just as the God of the Sea did, they are likely trying to blaze a trail so that humans can achieve something on their own. But...’
[You’re worried the Demon Worshippers might gain power because of that?]
‘Something like that.’
To put it simply, it’s whitewashing. They might even be active right now without anyone knowing.
As seen in the case of the fallen cardinal, their influence was truly terrifying.
When I eventually release the book set in the gods' past, there’s a high probability the Demon Worshippers will use it to rehabilitate their image.
By then, the world will be in turmoil, and many people might be lured in by them.
[So your opinion is that rather than letting it seep in gradually, it’s better to let it all explode at once with a bang?]
‘Yes. I want Blood and Iron to remain as this world’s fantasy.’
[Can you handle the aftermath?]
‘Honestly, there isn't much aftermath to handle anymore. All that’s left is war.’
World War II began with the invasion of Poland. All that remains now is the horrific carnage of war.
There is no communism to lead Machina’s revolution, nor national self-determination that almost led to Stavirk’s independence. All that remains is destruction and slaughter.
While there are several massacres, including the Holocaust, they can serve as cautionary tales, unlike communism.
[It’ll be hard for us to escape that influence as well.]
‘Exactly. That’s why I asked you, Lady Mora. What do you think?’
[I can’t say. The future fluctuates based on your choices. If I were to offer advice, it would be this: don’t even think about compromising with the Demon Worshippers.]
‘I feel the same way.’
There’s a trope that goes, "This guy was actually a pitiful guy." It’s the setting where a villain isn't inherently bad, but circumstances made them that way.
In reality, there are likely many who became Demon Worshippers after realizing the truth about the gods.
Even Luminous committed acts comparable to the Holocaust, didn't he?
But as time passed, that original meaning faded, leaving only bastards who commit atrocities.
Of course, many people will sympathize with their position. The hidden truth of the gods was far beyond anyone's imagination.
The important thing is that while one can understand them, their evil deeds cannot be justified. Furthermore, many among the Demon Worshippers committed atrocities simply for their own desires.
‘And just as we think this way, there will be people among the Demon Worshippers who think like this too.’
[You mean to cause a schism?]
‘Yes. If the world can’t keep up with the serialization speed of Blood and Iron, the Demon Worshippers won’t be able to either.’
So, if I can’t figure out their goal, I’ll cause a division. It’s possible because they are favorable toward Blood and Iron.
Even if they come out into the light to speak up, it doesn't matter. There’s a high chance the other Demon Worshippers will deal with them first.
The Demon Worshippers, who were once united because of me, will now be split into two factions because of me.
[...You’re smarter than I thought. I thought you only knew how to clean up messes.]
Mora praised me with a hint of surprise. Given that she’s watched me until now, it was a natural reaction.
I could only give a bitter smile. I’ve done more than a few thoughtless things in my time.
To be honest, this is also something I’m doing somewhat impulsively. But unlike before, I have a clear "goal."
‘It’s a bit different this time. I have a goal too. So, what do you think?’
[What is there to think? We will always help you if you need it.]
‘Thank you. I’ll go meet Mr. Calz for a moment.’
All that’s left is to consult with Calz. As soon as I stepped out of the chapel, I went to find him.
Calz had moved to the Maishal territory after I gave him the commission. It was to ensure I received the results faster.
Ah. Before heading to Calz’s workshop, I didn't forget the "supplies." I plan to use them to persuade him.
And then...
"...Mr. Calz?"
"Yes. Lord Xenon."
"Are you really Mr. Calz?"
"It is indeed me."
Mario was nowhere to be found; only a wreck of a man remained.
It wasn't Mario; it was a beard on the level of Leonardo da Vinci.
*
"You're... alright, aren't you?"
"Haha. I may look like this, but I'm perfectly fine."
I feel like I'm going to die. Please, let me rest.
Those were Calz’s inner thoughts upon meeting Isaac. If he said that out loud, his head would likely be rolling on the floor.
Even if he didn't lose his head, he’d likely be socially ostracized. Calz was in a total catch-22.
"But may I ask why you've visited, especially since you already sent a letter?"
It had been exactly two days since Isaac sent the letter. When he saw it, he wanted to run away immediately.
But what do you know? Isaac had shown up at his workshop in person.
It was too fast—far too fast for him to even prepare. The letter hadn't mentioned he’d be coming so soon.
He wanted to at least prepare some refreshments in a hurry, but Isaac had dissuaded him, leading to this conversation.
"It's nothing much."
Nothing much, my foot. You've been treating me like a slave.
Calz sighed as he looked at Isaac, who seemed oblivious to how heavy his every word was. Inwardly, of course.
While he was thinking that, Isaac clasped his hands together and finally brought up what he wanted to say.
"Actually..."
To summarize Isaac’s words:
Due to an unexpected event (pregnancy), he had no choice but to rush the serialization of Blood and Iron.
He was fine, but since Calz, the illustrator, had to draw, it would take much longer.
So, let’s be "canned" together. Let’s go into the Room of Spirit and Time and die together.
‘...Is this bastard for real?’
Did he really think of him as a slave? Granted, he was being paid accordingly, but his body and mind were reaching their limits.
His hands were constantly calloused or cracking, and he was dizzy from the lack of sleep.
He was already pushing himself so hard he was coughing up blood while drawing. And now, he was being invited to suffer in the Room of Spirit and Time.
He wanted to say no, to beg for a rest.
"I know it's hard for you. So, as a token of my appreciation, I've brought these gold bars for you, Mr. Calz..."
"Please, work me like a dog."
Too many gold bars had been paid for him to protest.