Chapter 221
Chapter 221
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 221
Chapter Title: Contradictory Prophecies
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In Lost World, the prophecy system is a quest given to the player themselves.
By setting a goal and having their civilization achieve it, the player receives additional rewards based on how difficult the prophecy was to fulfill.
For example, if a player wants to explore a new region A, they might issue a prophecy to their priest entity B: "B will go to A."
In this process, the player can guide B toward A, but there's no guarantee it will happen.
If the prophecy fails, the player gets no reward, and the fact that "the words of the god were wrong" spreads, making it harder to gather faith resources.
On the other hand, if it succeeds, it proves "the words of the god are true" while granting additional rewards for fulfilling the prophecy.
Issuing prophecies like this and claiming their rewards is one of the core ways to accumulate faith in Lost World.
However, that alone might not be enough.
Especially when competing with other players over specific gains, the two players need a way to resolve the conflict.
That's where the system-supported contradictory prophecy comes in.
For instance, if Players A and B both want the same entity C, instead of just fighting over ownership, they can issue mutually contradictory prophecies to force the opponent into submission.
"Player A owns C" and "Player B owns C"—with these two contradictory prophecies, only one can succeed, meaning the loser not only fails to gain ownership but also suffers the penalty for a failed prophecy.
This contradictory prophecy was a system players commonly used.
Personal battles require quick resolutions since dragging out a single fight too long isn't feasible, yet you can't just let the opponent easily take the prize.
When a more decisive outcome was needed, contradictory prophecies were employed.
'I have no reason to refuse.'
For now, Hegemonia was at a disadvantage, and if she could somehow steal the electricity, she might regain her edge.
'But looking beyond that...'
Nothing was certain.
Once the modern era dawned, people would become secularized and skeptical of past religious wars.
No matter how confident you were in war, if the opportunity never arose, it was meaningless.
'The fact that Nebula's making this proposal means he's getting impatient too.'
More precisely, even if Nebula himself wasn't, his subordinates probably were dissatisfied.
After over 80 years with no major border changes, they were finally gaining the upper hand bit by bit.
Handing the initiative back to Hegemonia now would sting.
Hegemonia spoke.
"...Let's talk it over first. Assuming we do a contradictory prophecy, what exactly are we prophesying about?"
Seong-un pondered for a moment before opening his mouth.
"How about patent rights?"
"You already have them."
"So, how about whoever holds the patent rights three months from now?"
Hegemonia felt relieved inwardly.
'He wants to avoid battle?'
Battle was Hegemonia's specialty and primary strategy.
It was natural for Seong-un to want to dodge combat.
'But just because he sucks at fighting doesn't mean I'm at a disadvantage. He doesn't know my full forces.'
Hegemonia saw no issue with competing over patent rights.
No, it might even be better for her.
'If it escalates to full battle, I'll have to deploy apostles. In a fight that scale...'
Even though Hegemonia had won every battle so far, like Seong-un, she had to avoid major clashes.
She didn't think Seong-un was throwing fights, but he never obsessed over individual losses.
The Seong-un she knew could match her in command if he focused.
'Above all, he has more apostles.'
Hegemonia had seven apostles, while Seong-un had nine that she knew of.
Possession or even manifestation in crises would burn through faith too quickly to be ideal.
'It all comes down to an apostle showdown.'
So Hegemonia wanted to preserve her apostle count until the final battle.
'But I can't reveal my hand to Nebula.'
Hegemonia said to Seong-un,
"I'd prefer something simpler. Like who conquers Polybia."
"That'd be too unfavorable for us. It's too far, and we'd have to break through the alliance fleet."
"Hmm."
"How about conceding that much?"
"Well, the current patent holder is under imperial control."
"Distance-wise, it's much closer."
Hegemonia replied grudgingly.
"Fine, I accept. Patent rights, three months."
"Then I'll open the prophecy window—confirm and agree."
"Got it."
Hegemonia smiled inwardly.
'This... I'll win.'
Polybia, Pallet family mansion.
Even orcs, stereotyped as fierce and brutish in Polybia, were treated without prejudice if they bore the Pallet name.
Those of Pallet blood were known for intellect and wisdom rivaling any race, plus an orcish knack for decisive choices benefiting the family.
The Pallet family was publicly known for not endorsing any specific religion.
But that was false.
Dealing with diverse merchants in a neutral state required neutrality to avoid feuds, but a private chapel existed within the mansion.
Sitting there now was the family head's second son, Bianto Pallet.
For generations, the Pallets had the eldest as deputy head and the second as hidden priest managing the chapel.
This secret had endured nearly two centuries undetected.
Finishing prayer, Bianto lifted his head and opened his eyes.
Family head Vulco Pallet, waiting, spoke.
"...How did it go?"
"Family head, this may be the most crucial event in Pallet history."
Biantto turned to Vulco.
"The Wrathful One spoke to me directly."
The faith the Pallet bloodline secretly followed was the Order of the Wrathful One.
"A naval blockade?"
Simo was the one who asked.
Etimo family head Philina Etimo had promised Simo various support and made a new proposal: continue research in the empire.
Polybia was a global trade hub with top talents, perfect for invention.
But considering the Mage Tower of Mysteries, scholars' holy site Basenriol, and ancient wonder-city Orazun, Simo was ready to leave anytime.
Above all, Simo had received help from 8th Apostle Toolbo.
Simo had skeptically tried religious aid for invention but became Toolbo's ardent fan.
Philina arranged transport, but there was a snag.
"With the Ronante-Oroban Alliance and Blackrin Empire war escalating, sea routes are tough. Even non-military ships get detained by the alliance navy first."
"Air routes?"
"Better, but imperial airships are all in the war too. No intercontinental regulars for now. Our family's airships are on the opposite continent... it'll take time."
Simo accepted the inevitable.
Owen, nominally Simo's assistant, spoke up.
"Not good."
"Yeah... Direct to the empire would've been ideal. But we can go later, right?"
"That's not it."
"Pardon? What do you mean, sir?"
Philina looked puzzled at Simo calling his assistant "sir."
Owen said,
"Several omens are poor. You've gotten apostle aid, the kingdom-alliance you've long rivaled are siding with the empire, and now the path is cut. As if the world revolves around us."
"...Eh, those could all be coincidences?"
"I'd hope so, but caution never hurts. If I'm right, call it an old man's wisdom."
Owen stroked his chin, then addressed Philina.
"Hm, Philina, was it?"
"Yes?"
Philina pondered how to treat Simo's assistant, settling on age-appropriate respect.
"Do you have something to say, elder?"
"One question..."
"Yes."
"I'm clueless about this, but suppose your family were attacked in Polybia—what form do you think it'd take?"
Philina found the question odd but answered offhand.
"...Depends on the enemy, but they'd poach our long-time clients first. If uncooperative, force bankruptcy."
"And?"
"Bribe city hall with money? Impose unfair taxes on our goods or seize them."
"More."
"Well, Polybia has crime syndicates. If really dirty, they'd hire those. That's what comes to mind."
Owen sighed in relief.
Philina was baffled, unable to follow.
Owen said,
"Good, no need for this old man to step in then."
"Step in how?"
"Looks can deceive, but I'm confident in hands-on work."
Simo seemed to take it for granted.
Philina shook her head.
"B-but those are unlikely to happen."
"Why think that?"
Philina answered Owen's question, trusting her experience leading the family.
"This isn't the empire-kingdom warzone. Polybia's peaceful; such fights spill your own blood eventually. Rival firms exist we dislike too, but self-preservation kicks in."
Owen nodded slowly, as if understanding.
"But you've only known peace in peaceful lands."
"Pardon?"
Owen said,
"Some gladly shed their blood to see others' spilled."
"...?"
"Believing it's the path of serving their god."
Suddenly, the door burst open.
The rushing secretary said to Philina,
"Family head, big trouble! Our client Sahil Industries..."
As Philina paled, Owen stood.
"Seems you'll be busy here, so we'll take our leave."
"Ah, sorry. I'll call someone to guide you out."
"I know the way. Come, Miss Simo."
Leaving the parlor, Simo said,
"S-something... went wrong?"
"Perish the thought, little inventor."
Owen chuckled.
"Think this old man would stand by idly?"