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Chapter 118

“Ugh, my hands are freezing!”

Yeon-woo shook off the frost clinging to their hands.

I had never heard of anyone suffering from such side effects unless they were attempting an Elemental Enhancement.

So, this must be a unique side effect only experienced by Yeon-woo, who wasn’t naturally endowed with Elemental Mana.

“Just as I heard, you employ some unique magic. Thank you, nominee.”

“Well, Killian could have handled it alone, though.”

“I appreciate the overestimation, but I’d be a mess if I had been hit by something like that.”

Killian let out a sigh as they lightly tapped the ice statue in front of them.

To say they had perfectly defeated the golem with this would be a stretch. Once the ice melts at some point, it might just spring back to life.

Meanwhile, Claire stepped forward with a puzzled expression.

“Killian, you’ve gotten a bit rusty. Have you faced something like that before?”

“No, I didn’t anticipate bodily development. I really didn’t think they could use something like that.”

Killian grumbled as they slung their spear over their shoulder.

The reason Killian didn’t realize the characteristics of the golem, unlike Yeon-woo, was simple. Elves have different interests from humans, so there’s not much drive towards technological advancement.

What kind of race would be so keen on technology when they can just become Aura Experts after military service?

Likewise, Yeon-woo had thoughts regarding the golem’s fighting style. Why not simply upgrade specifications in a straightforward manner instead of going for such a bizarre upgrade—or rather, a side-grade?

And then, it was placed squarely on the fourth floor as if it was right. Considering this in comparison to the peculiar structure of these ruins.

[Hmm, Dad. If they were going to block our entry, wouldn’t a stronger entity come out first?]

‘Right, isn’t it?’

[Then conversely, wouldn’t it make sense if they chose this structure to prevent us from leaving?]

‘…Oh?’

Certainly, if Shar was right, it explained everything.

The solid golems had flesh attached, but didn’t the golem we just faced lack any such thing?

It looked as much like a research facility as a fortress, so I naturally thought it would try to repel intruders, but could it really be the opposite?

‘Even if it’s an unknown dimension, it seems they properly recognized the threat of the alien god.’

Thinking like that, I felt worried that they were doing something they couldn’t do, but it didn’t seem to matter. It might actually lessen the burden on them.

‘The nun, you know!!’

The fleshy parts must have been forcibly attached external devices for the alien god to gain followers. Now, having removed all of them, it was clear that the conditions were ripe for Claire, the Aura Master, to deal with the god.

“Let’s go, nun!!”

“Hmm, it’s been a while since I’ve fought a god… Do you think I can really take it down?”

“That’s rather scary to say.”

“It’s only ever dumb monsters or gods that invade Wigdrad.”

“Oh, I remember that. Wasn’t that god nicknamed the King of Beetles?”

Did you hear that? Someone actually had experience! As we descended, I heard they came to drink the sap of the World Tree or something like that.

And to die for such a silly reason, how pathetic!

*

The ‘Cult’ didn’t last long. The Inquisitors of the Holy Order arrived. The Cult Leader, who was their parent, fled, leaving the god who was unable to do anything but remain a focal point for the remaining followers.

It was a holy war and, at the same time, a siege. The flames of heresy loomed over their sacred ground. The door adorned in gold wept as it opened, mingling the blood of the faithful with the flowing gold that filled their sacred site.

Of course, the god did their best for the faithful. They relayed everything they could see and hear, proposing strategic actions, but how could the mere faithful, who were ordinary people, follow?

The principles guiding the god’s actions were far too simple. They felt joy in being able to help others. The Cult flourished on such devotion.

The moment a person loses their life’s goal, they fall into despair. And that wasn’t much different for a god either.

Flesh rippled. A lukewarm, mushy wave spread out from the sacred ground. It looked akin to a sunrise. Just as the sunlight lifted the darkness obscured by the night’s veil, the flesh began to envelop the world at a swift pace.

The divine entity that should have been a symbol of great prosperity descending upon the earth had fallen to such a state, and now it opened its eyes in another world. The lingering loss from long ago deeply soaked their heart, but the same occurrences didn’t happen again.

Even if it was labeled as an alien god that devoured the world, they were still a god. That fact was deeply lamented. They hoped such a thing would never happen again.

In fact, to the point of wishing for death, they regretted that moment, sleeping atop the altar where the god awaited worship, turned upside down by the wave of flesh.

*

After a bit of rest, we explored the fourth floor further. Nothing significant was found. It was as if someone had intentionally cleaned up, or perhaps it was swept away by a flood.

Investigating a god who was soon to die was pointless when I couldn’t even decipher the language; however, the remnants of this civilization could be sold for a hefty sum, which was a bitter feeling.

“There are no unusual findings. It really seems like only the fifth floor remains.”

Saying this, Yeon-woo, holding a cluster of light, returned to the location where Claire and Killian were. This was truly not a place that sparked the spirit of exploration.

“Well then, we have no choice but to go down. Since it’s come to this, should we wrap it up quickly? I don’t want to stay here longer than necessary.”

“I think so too, but are you sure you’re okay?”

Since saying we came together is basically the same as saying we can, but it’s true that the opponent can be quite dangerous if mishandled.

Claire, who spoke as casually as if she were shopping at a supermarket, made Yeon-woo feel concerned.

“Given these conditions, it’s something we can manage. But there are things that bother me.”

Saying this, Claire pointed a finger at Yeon-woo. Yeon-woo, taken aback, pointed to themselves.

“Me?”

“Yes, Yeon-woo. Up to this point, it didn’t matter. But there’s no need for Yeon-woo to go all the way to the fifth floor. Because you’re weak.”

There was really no refuting that statement. If even Killian, who was stronger than them, might not be helpful, would their presence create variables? It might even hinder Claire while trying to protect themselves.

However, Yeon-woo’s existence wasn’t entirely without value.

“At least I can try to have a conversation.”

“…A conversation with an alien god?”

Claire looked at Yeon-woo as if they had lost their mind.

Well, can’t we at least try to talk?

Just because they’re an alien god doesn’t mean they can’t communicate. Not all of them are madmen.

Sure, 95% may be crazy destruction gods, but still, one shouldn’t decide everything based on first impressions.

If even one alien god could be drawn to our side, the benefits wouldn’t be insignificant.

“I’m not going to engage in emotional exchanges or anything. I just want to attempt the bare minimum of dialogue. If it seems like a lost cause, I’ll withdraw immediately. Does that work?”

“There’s really no need for you to do that. I’ll handle it.”

“No, you know it won’t work, nun.”

If they didn’t know before, it was impossible to place the responsibility of conversation into Claire’s hands now.

It wasn’t that she hated the god or anything like that. In truth, Yeon-woo would prefer to entrust it to the mentally resilient Claire, but after hearing the past stories, it was impossible.

Those who had killed gods carry traces of it. I mean, I don’t know exactly what kind of nameless god it was, named the King of Beetles or whatever, but that alone made them a god in their own right.

Perhaps because the beetles lacked the intelligence to worship a king, Claire might have cut them down in a single blow.

Alien gods may very well be pure gods in their own twisted way. Often, they might be so muddied that one can’t recognize the original.

Many might be unrecognizable due to being overwhelmingly covered in something, but as gods, they would have no reason to hold resentment against the slayers of gods.

“…I don’t understand why you’re going so far.”

“I thought you would. Still, it’s not bad to prepare for a potentially uncertain future.”

Truth be told, Claire’s confusion likely stemmed more from Yeon-woo’s erratic behavior than anything else regarding the future.

It had only been four months, yet it seemed like they were flitting about as if they had foreseen something.

But, well, considering they really did see it, it couldn’t be helped. Unable to explain, Yeon-woo offered an awkward smile.

‘Shar and Tae-oh better close their eyes and cover their ears when Dad talks to the god. Understood?’

Chasing after Claire, who began to trudge along with a resigned air, Yeon-woo gave that warning to the two children.

Though Shar and Tae-oh protested why they had to do that, they ultimately nodded their heads when Yeon-woo insisted.

As they descended the stairs, the first thing that caught their eye was a golden hue.

The entire fifth-floor room was enveloped in a foreboding, reddish-gold light.

Following that, the next noticeable feature was the altar. It stood still, meant for sacrifices, perhaps to place an idol of the god.

It was a fleshy mass, a mix of pink and apricot, almost fitting in one’s arms. It was even much smaller than what clung to the golems’ bodies.

Yet, everyone could tell that this was indeed a ‘god’. Like a gentle fragrance wafting about, it signified its divinity.

Tentatively, Yeon-woo spoke up.

“Why are you here?”

It didn’t take long for an answer to return.

『Because that is my sin.』

When the voice, sounding both childlike and weary like an exhausted adult, echoed in the room, everyone simultaneously drew their weapons.

Since it had responded, it was clear the being could communicate. Yet, that didn’t mean it would engage willingly in conversation.

Fleshy tentacles stretched out like grotesque appendages. Before long, the majority of their view was filled with grotesque flesh walls.

“…Seems like I won’t be getting off easy.”

I had a hunch this would happen, but I didn’t expect to be cut off from retreat.

(To be continued in the next chapter)

 

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