Chapter 434: Prologue to the Final Chapter – Al’shel
Chapter 434: Prologue to the Final Chapter – Al’shel
I sip the coffee I brewed myself while staring out the window.
The beans are coarsely ground, making the flavor light—in some ways, it’s closer to tea. That subtle warmth and bitterness take the chill out of my body.
The sky is clear, and the world is peaceful.
The old me would never have had such thoughts, but my perspective has shifted slightly since returning from the Otherworld. Instead of a life spent hating everything for the sake of pure revenge, I can now look toward the present and the future.
Of course, the anger sleeping in my heart hasn't vanished, but I’ve gained enough composure to look around at my surroundings.
Meeting Sophia helped resolve some of my long-held emotions, and I’ve come up with new ideas, but most importantly, I’ve gained new knowledge by clearly identifying The Enemy.
The final moment. The realization I gained by facing an Avatar directly.
That thing is several times more horrific than my past memories suggested.
Because the past me lacked the knowledge I have now, I simply thought of them as powerful monsters that would destroy the world. But the moment I faced one again after my long journey, I realized I was wrong.
I realized that the word 'monster' is entirely inappropriate to describe them.
The word 'monster' should be reserved for things like the planet-sized monsters that sank our race's space fleet. No matter how strong a monster is, it is ultimately a living creature; if you hit it with enough overwhelming force, it can be brought down.
But the moment I saw the living flame descend upon the Demon Train, I understood.
Assuming that absolute truths exist in the world, those beings are entities capable of negating those truths from their very foundation.
For example, I once saw a world where letters existed at The Root of everything. If someone carved a letter with a specific meaning into the center of that world, the concept represented by that letter would newly manifest. According to the laws of that world, concepts not written into its foundation could not appear. Even if something from another world invaded, the world's own rejection response would rapidly weaken it until it eventually vanished.
However, if an Avatar were to descend upon that world, the concept representing that Avatar would remain entirely unaffected, whether that concept existed in that world or not.
No, rather, as the Avatar possessing that concept appeared, the letters representing it would be newly carved into the center of the world. Conversely, if that concept already existed, those letters would become subordinate to the Avatar.
And those letters would devour the other surrounding letters, leading the world to its ruin. After devouring the numerous concepts at the center of the world and remaining alone, it would negate even itself by self-destructing, bringing the world to its end.
Of course, there’s no guarantee things would play out exactly like that. I didn't actually witness the destruction of that world; that scenario is merely my prediction.
But one thing is certain.
A planet-sized monster versus an Avatar.
When comparing their power, the monster is overwhelmingly superior in terms of pure strength. A planet-sized monster has enough might to swallow a battleship carrying countless kin in a single gulp. The Avatars that descended onto planetary surfaces did not display that level of raw power. If several veteran warriors ganged up on them, it would take the Avatars quite some time to defeat them. The difference in power is that obvious.
However, if a planet-sized monster and an Avatar were to fight... who would emerge the victor?
It would likely take time, but the Avatar would eventually win. That is simply the nature of what they are.
Then, must we simply fear them? Must we fear The End? Even if an Avatar is summoned incorrectly and can only wield the strength of a child's fist, must we simply endure the blows and wait for the apocalypse until that fist eventually beats every living thing to death?
I realized the answer to that when I saw the living flame with my own eyes.
I don't know the power of their Main Body, but at the very least, the Avatars are not immortal. If certain conditions are met, they are beings that can be defeated.
First, one method: force the concepts granted to them to belong to the world.
According to my companion during the journey, Zess supposedly granted mortality to an Avatar. Based on that information, I drew a conclusion by looking back at the past remnants of that region. Zess used some method to define the Avatar not as a living flame, but as an energy lifeform taking the shape of a flame. By doing so, while its strength remained the same, it was demoted to an entity that could be killed, allowing it to be defeated.
...Though I have no idea how that was even possible.
Ultimately, it’s a method I cannot use yet.
But I haven't given up. If there is one way, it means there are others. There is no such thing as a unique, solitary method in this world. There are questions that can never be answered, but if it is proven that even a single interpretation can provide an answer, then the answer to that question is not unique.
Knowing that, it was a stroke of great luck that my very next destination was the Magic Kingdom.
The Magic Kingdom was an utterly absurd world. Most worlds would be destroyed if even a single Avatar descended, yet that world was so ridiculous that they had official medals for participating in battles against Avatars. Because of that, I was able to access records of Avatars being repelled.
And in the final moment, I even had the chance to observe an Avatar that was neutral to us—The Queen of the Magic Kingdom.
Through that process, I deduced a second method.
'Otherworld Erosion.'
The answer was in a place much closer than I thought.
The Ascendants, referred to as O-Rank in this world. The concept of an Ascendant existed in every world I visited, and since Otherworld Erosion—the voice of their hearts—also existed in every world I saw, I had assumed it was a concept that inevitably bloomed in worlds contaminated by the Otherworld.
But I was wrong. It isn't something like that.
I know the theory well. When an individual reaches a level where they can construct a world of their own, they project their world onto the outside. An overpainting of concepts that do not exist in the current world.
...Doesn't that look exactly like an Avatar?
Of course, there are differences in strength, and the concepts they emit always manifest as true propositions, so the way they are affected varies depending on the interpretation of the phrasing, but the structure itself is ultimately similar.
Deducing from this...
Ascension likely refers to those who have obtained the minimum requirements to move toward The End. I now understand the term 'Pillar,' which refers to the same existence. Since they are beings who possess the conditions of The End, The End can descend through them.
I don't know who figured that out and named them, but the dictionary definitions of the words are being applied literally. Both 'Pillar' and 'Ascension.'
...No, is it the other way around?
What if those entities at The End knew that from the beginning and spread those terms?
As that thought occurred to me, the coffee in my hand suddenly felt cold. It feels like those all-knowing bastards are playing with us.
...Let's shake it off.
With that thought, I bring the cup to my lips and tilt it. As if the previous chill was an illusion, the warmth crosses my palate along with the mild bitterness.
I continued my train of thought.
This is just my speculation, not a confirmed fact yet, but... an Ascendant could likely negate an Avatar. If they could distort the opponent's existence through the concept of Otherworld Erosion...
If the Avatar’s concept is distorted because of that, it would be demoted to something that can be repelled. For instance, in the case of the living flame:
'For the flame is like glass.'
If it were the same type of Otherworld Erosion, it would become something that could be shattered and destroyed. Because the flame would be demoted to a concept that can be broken.
The problem with this method is...
It is practically impossible to find an Otherworld Erosion user who can adjust their erosion so precisely, or to find someone who possesses such a specific erosion in the first place. Since most Otherworld Erosions are simply the manifestation of the world they possess, I imagine it would be extremely difficult to change the sentences at will. However...
...Looking at Sirin's case, manipulation isn't entirely impossible.
She said her Otherworld Erosion isn't fixed to just one thing. She mentioned she could change the nuance, though even that takes a long time to modify.
I didn't think much of it when I first heard it. But after gathering so much data, my mind has changed. If Ascension is a stage for those seeking to climb even higher, wouldn't the next step be changing the sentences by one's own will?
This is pure delusion, unlike my previous thoughts which were predicted through information. It’s a fleeting prayer with nothing to support the theory, just a wish that we might have a weapon. The number of Ascendants is too small to test this, and it's a realm I don't even know how to handle in the first place.
Thinking thus, I set my coffee cup on the table and look at my right hand.
An empty hand.
I clench it tight, as if something were there.
...Should I accept it?
I am qualified for Ascension. I simply haven't reached it because I reject the filthy Otherworldly Power. Furthermore, if my prediction is correct, this is the path to approaching those disgusting beings.
The mere thought of it makes a surge of loathing rise within me, but...
...It is also a method.
A weapon to fight against the enemies. Not a weapon as an invader contaminating the world, but a weapon as a shield to protect it.
When I think of it that way, the loathing dominating my body fades slightly. Perhaps with my filth, I can protect this wor—
SLAM!
"Shel! You in there?!"
Along with the sound of the door being kicked open and shattered, I hear a familiar voice. I slowly turn my head toward the door and look at the intruder.
"...Sister Sirin. As I've told you many times, doorknobs are not just for decoration."
"It was locked, though?"
"Knocking isn't just for decoration either."
"I did knock."
I heard it. I just ignored it for the sake of my contemplation.
"Are you familiar with the term 'privacy,' Sister Sirin? This is my private room."
"There's no such thing between family."
Spouting such nonsense, Sirin—who usually acts all demure and cultured within The Society—shed every bit of that persona. She trudged inside and began smearing slime all over my sofa.
I didn't voice my complaint, but...
"Hah!"
Pop!
An explosion erupted right in front of my eyes. It was an explosion powerful enough to blow a normal person's head off. Of course, since I am not such a fragile creature, it only stung a little.
"...May I ask what you think you're doing, Sister Sirin?"
"I felt like you were badmouthing me in your head."
"..."
Irritation flares up. I already have to deal with the executives saying crazy things like, 'Your sister is so gentle and polite, you should learn from her. If only you were half as cooperative as Al’shirin, things would be so much better.' I wonder what they would say if they saw the true nature of this hooligan.
Of course, I don't say it out loud this time either.
"Hah!"
Naturally, I dodge the attack. Once is one thing, but I won't be hit twice.
Anyway, I move to avoid the explosions and brew more coffee. I set the fresh cup down in front of the menace and speak.
"So, what brings you here? If it's alcohol, I don't have any."
Since you stole the entire box yesterday.
Despite my question, asked while suppressing my rage...
"Hey. What is this? Is this ditch water, not coffee? Give me some sugar."
This monstrosity calling herself my sister spouts nonsense, despite not even knowing the taste of coffee.
"...Please state your business."
Patience. Have patience.
Mulling that over in my mind, I handed her the sugar.
"Bombs away."
Sirin grabbed the sugar container and poured a massive amount into the coffee. More sugar than water went in, but perhaps because the coffee was hot, it all began to melt.
"Now this is drinkable."
The nonsense continues.
...Should I kill her?
No. Patience. Be patient, Shel. Right. Despite how she acts, she's still my kin.
Sigh.
"I'm glad it's to your liking. So. Your business."
Please. Just say it and leave already.
"Oh. Right. That."
As if her tiny brain had finally started working, the deep-sea squid subspecies stared at me blankly, then...
"Ugh, why is this so sweet?"
She spoke as she splashed the coffee in her hand onto the floor. The brown liquid, along with undissolved sugar granules, scattered across the ground.
I'm going to kill her.
Kin or not, she won't die easily anyway, so I'll just half-kill her.
As I began to chant in my mind with fury...
Bubble.
The sound of bubbling echoed.
"I'm here!"
She popped out from inside the coffee. The moment an absolute being descended into my room...
"Mission accomplished, Lady Linshua."
The stir-fried live octopus immediately showed her respect toward the leader, as if she had eaten all her previous misdeeds.
Of course, since I don't show that much respect...
"What brings you here, Lady Linshua?"
I asked her calmly.
She looked at me while popping a square sugar cube, made from the sugar in the container, into her mouth.
"Mm-hmm."
I wait for her to speak without getting angry. Before long, after swallowing the sugar, she opened her mouth.
"An Avatar has descended. Let's get ready to fight!"
A bombshell dropped with a cheerful voice that didn't match the gravity of the words.
"...Pardon?"
"...Pardon?"
Our voices overlapped. With perfect harmony, as if to prove that the two of us were indeed family.