Chapter 109
We entered a place that is undoubtedly an underwater city.
True to the name of an underwater city, its shape resembles that of a base from an ancient civilization.
It consists of angular structures, with walls made of iron plates, and on both sides of the walls, there are magic stones that appear to be guiding lights, with a design that necessitates climbing up and down ladders.
“Something about this feels like I’ve truly entered another world.”
“Yeah, it really does…”
“Let me warn you ahead of time, you mustn’t speak carelessly.”
The Aquarium Elf that welcomed us warned, puffing on the glass tank.
At first, they spoke quite casually, but after knocking on the tank with their hand, they began to speak politely.
‘Looks like they received some kind of instruction.’
By earthly standards, this fellow was merely a border guard soldier.
It seemed that through some device in the tank, they communicated with a superior and took on the role of guiding us based on that superior’s orders.
“The carbon dioxide you exhale can have fatal effects in this place.”
“Carbon… what?”
“…This is why surface dwellers. Your civilization remains focused on magic and spirits. There has been no research into science, or rather, alchemy at all?”
The distinction between science and alchemy.
Certainly, as one living in this underwater realm, they were quite aware of that distinction.
‘Of course.’
Can lead be turned into gold?
The scientifically-minded would deem it impossible, while the alchemists would deem it possible.
“Sorceress of Crimson Lotus. What happened?”
The Aquarium Elf turned their gaze towards me.
“Though you claim you’ve awakened after 500 years, seeing how your group has gathered suggests you must have explored the world. Has the outside civilization progressed significantly compared to 500 years ago?”
“From the perspective of underwater dwellers, in terms of scientific progress, I would say it’s still quite lacking in civilization.”
“Master…?”
“What? Why?”
The expressions of Lucius and the others changed oddly.
It was as if ordinary people were witnessing the Great Sorcerer of the Mage Tower reciting spatial magic.
“The language is certainly the continent’s common tongue, but it seems like an entirely incomprehensible speech.”
“Don’t bother trying to understand. This place, to you, is merely a fleeting glimpse, like a different world. Just think of it as a site remaining from an ancient civilization.”
“I understand.”
While my group suppressed their doubts about my explanation, the Aquarium Elf seemed somewhat dissatisfied.
“What’s wrong?”
“…Ancient civilization. It’s a bit frustrating from our standpoint, but what you said isn’t entirely wrong. At least I’m glad there’s someone I can converse with you.”
“Since I’m here, we made it this far… No, that’s not quite right.”
Since I played the role of a guide, we could reach here directly with ease.
Had it not been for me, they likely wouldn’t have made it to this place at all.
“Without the Guidance of the Holy Sword, there would have been no reason to come here.”
“The Guidance of the Holy Sword… tsk, damn it. To think I have to rely on the Holy Wind Sword.”
Relying?
On a personal note, while I might express my dislike for the Sorceress of Crimson Lotus and the Holy Wind Sword, I still require the ‘Power of the Holy Sword’ provided by it?
It felt like having food I didn’t want to eat, but if I didn’t, there was the stark reminder of starvation.
‘I need to investigate further.’
This kind of talk could also lead us into a trap.
If needed, I had already instructed Lucius to create a barrier, so for now, I would extract more information through conversation.
“Well, just consider it fate.”
“Fate, huh. Tsk. More importantly, Sorceress of Crimson Lotus, did you bring them here without any explanation?”
“Yes. If I were to explain, it would take ages, and the situation was difficult to explain.”
I pointed to my companions, especially Saintess Yan, who still appeared stunned.
“What in the world has the outside become that they’re so fascinated?”
“The sacred culture of the Order of the Crescent Moon Goddess has spread widely.”
“…You’re saying religion governs the world?”
“Since the Demon King’s army has championed science, it’s only natural to reject science.”
“Indeed. I understand.”
Fortunately, the Aquarium Elf seemed to grasp my situation promptly.
“The science of the surface world has indeed fallen into ruin.”
“Were you unaware?”
“I have no particular reason to know about surface affairs, nor do I wish to.”
“Indeed, I have a rough idea of who you are. You are… remnants of the old Demon King’s army.”
“!!”
All my companions took a defensive stance.
Observing them, the Aquarium Elf—especially Lucius—wrinkled their brow, placing a hand on a thick, ocarina-like item at their waist.
“If you intend to fight, I won’t back down.”
“Lower your weapon. I’ve told you. There is a possibility that those driven out by the Human Alliance could live in the Abyss. This person is one of those.”
“But….”
“From the perspective of the goddess’s order, this person is a rebel against humanity, but from their point of view, the goddess’s order seems like a cult. Saintess, it’s a matter of perspective. If you suddenly fell into the Demon World one day, how do you think the denizens would view you? Everyone, calm down.”
“…….”
The group lowered their weapons but didn’t relax their guard.
“I should have explained more before descending…”
“Master, if they’re remnants of the old Demon King’s army now….”
“Just an ordinary village resident. It happened 500 years ago, so I’m not inclined to revisit that. If I were, I wouldn’t have opened the door.”
“If you hadn’t opened the door, wouldn’t you have broken in?”
“…If that were so, they would have likely led us into a trap. It’s okay. It’s just residual bitterness from 500 years ago; it doesn’t seem like they consider us enemies.”
“Do you have any evidence for that?”
“My intuition.”
Intuition it is.
The Aquarium Elf dislikes us simply for being surface dwellers and for being those who aided in slaying the Demon King and owning a weapon that killed him.
“If faith developed on the surface, then science merely prospered in the Abyss. It’s just a matter of difference.”
The ancient civilization, or rather, the one who sought to most actively utilize the power of ‘science’ was none other than Demon Lord Belphegor.
To be exact, he aimed to use the power of ancient civilization, while I had little special interest in the advancement of scientific technology.
‘I just used it.’
If there was power, I merely utilized it.
Instead of dismantling a bomb for study, I focused on strategy in how to use it to secure victory.
The revelation and evolution of science, that ancient civilization’s technology, began to take place and gain traction among people after the Demon King’s death.
What Mammon researched was precisely ‘science’.
It’s hardly an exaggeration to say that apart from using ‘mana’ as an energy source, he was ahead in the study of ‘science’, the ancient civilization.
“The surface wasn’t entirely devoid of scientific decline. Reviewing documents, I see that significant scientific development has begun about 200 years ago.”
“And what’s it like now? Have you progressed to the point of escaping the atmosphere?”
“Not yet developed to flying airships.”
“Sounds about right.”
Still.
In comparison to this underwater city, it is nothing.
“However, science has progressed to some degree. Humans are using something called magic pistols.”
“Is that so? Here, laser guns are the norm.”
“The mention of lasers won’t be understood by my companions.”
“But Sorceress of Crimson Lotus, you understand, don’t you?”
Seeing their haughty attitude, it felt characteristic of those reveling in a superior civilization.
“Uh, Master. I have a genuine question. Is it alright if I ask?”
“I don’t know what it is, but if it’s going to lead to an unnecessarily lengthy explanation, it’s better not to.”
“Who is that person? You seem to know them well; what’s their name?”
“……huh?”
Indeed.
At Lucius’s question, I was temporarily rendered speechless.
“You, who are you?”
“……What?”
Lucius’s question caught me off guard, and the Aquarium Elf was equally bewildered.
“You don’t know me?”
“I know your name. Francis F. Bacon.”
I pointed at the Aquarium Elf’s chest, where a name tag read “Francis. F. Bacon”.
“Now that I think about it, though we can communicate, I introduced myself while you only showed your face and didn’t say who you are. I don’t know anyone by that name. Are you someone who heard of me through hearsay?”
“…It’s natural not to remember. Hmm. 500 years ago, I was in the Demon King’s army.”
What?
“No, that’s impossible! An elf belonging to the Demon King’s army?!”
Before I could react, Rosmas interjected with a shout, denying the words of the Aquarium Elf.
“An elf in the Demon King’s army? That can’t be true!”
“…I agree, High Elf. However… this is quite amusing.”
Francis Bacon grinned while scratching the tank.
“I am not an elf.”
“What?! With those pointy ears and that appearance, how can you say you’re not an elf?! No matter how far you are from the World Tree—”
“I’m an imp.”
“…….”
Elf.
Imp.
Just a single character difference, but the difference is enormous.
“I’m over 180 cm tall.”
“I’m an imp.”
“And I look handsome!”
“I’m an imp.”
“Don’t kid with me. How can an imp look like this?”
Francis Bacon twisted his mouth toward me.
“Then is it reasonable to say that an elf is bald?”
“…….”
I couldn’t logically refute that.
“For the last 500 years, our imp clan has adapted to life under the sea. While surface imps may still be small, we are different. We’ve evolved over 500 years.”
Evolution.
Just like humans, living beings change their forms over time to suit their environments.
“Orcs, werewolves, and vampires have all changed significantly since the Demon King passed away. Thanks to the mercy of Lord Celcius, we have established ourselves here, flourishing without conflict under the teachings of the Demon King. In a way… we could say we’re children of both the Demon King and Lord Celcius.”
Wow.
“Do you know of ‘Celcius Phegor’? We refer to them as ‘the Great Lady’. As the partner of the Great Demon Lord Bel Phegor, she is the goddess of the sea who watches over us.”
No.
What do you mean by partner?
There’s been no wedding, nor any promise of marriage!
“Welcome, people of the surface. This place is the underwater paradise created by the Great Demon Lord Bel Phegor and the sea goddess Celcius, known as ‘Belselphia’.”
