Chapter 475
Chapter 475. Even a Dog Will Stumble
— Before I knew it, Liliana found herself standing in an unknown world.
A rugged mountainous terrain with steep, towering cliffs.
In the distance, structures stood in a line like tombstones. They were so colossal that it distorted her sense of perspective, rivaling even the Holy Great Tree.
Far below, the ground swayed eerily. —No, it wasn’t ground? A viscous liquid was undulating.
It was the sea—she sensed it instinctively. This was the primordial sea.
“Is this… the Demon World?”
It was the only conclusion she could draw.
The appearance of this world was utterly different.
Above, dark rays poured down from a blackened sun.
Liliana felt a chill of fear as even the “sunlight” she was familiar with seemed transformed.
—What if I can’t go back?
The sudden thought froze her spine. She turned quickly and saw that dark abyss that had swallowed her, silently lurking behind her.
Even here, it stood out as something utterly alien.
(Thank goodness, it seems I can return…)
Just as Liliana sighed in relief.
“Hello.”
A gentle voice came unexpectedly.
“Wah!?”
She was so startled that she almost fell off the cliff.
Peering over, she saw a figure peeking from behind the portal—
A face…? No, what is this…
A tuxedo-clad stick…?
“Ah, I’m sorry to have startled you. …A transfer gate, how rare. It’s been so long since I’ve seen one. I didn’t expect there were still some around…”
A well-dressed tuxedo had an aged cane protruding from it. The cane emerged from the neck area, yet there were no hands or feet, the transparent body seemed to take form through the thickness of the clothing.
The ‘stick’ approached Liliana with an expressionless demeanor—though it had no face—staring intently at her… No, she could feel its gaze.
“Truly rare. It’s unusual to see someone like you… No, are you even human…? Hmm, so you are indeed human. It must be the first time someone like you visits the Demon World.”
“Are you… a demon?”
“Indeed. I am a guiding entity. I am the [Guide Demon] Odigos.”
The empty sleeves moved on their own, as if politely bowing with a hand on its chest.
“I usually guide the demons who come through the Dark Portal to the appropriate path. However, today, my own powers have led me to this place because of your arrival.”
The stick tilted slightly. It looked as if it were nodding.
—Speaking of which, I think Alex mentioned this demon when talking about the Demon World. A demon that guides others so they can encounter compatible demons.
Alex was able to meet Antendeixis thanks to this demon…
“Well then, let me show you the path that befits you.”
“…Is that okay?”
Reflexively, Liliana asked.
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“…I’m not a demon.”
She regretted saying unnecessary things when the other party was so eager. Yet, something felt off in her mind and body, as if her thoughts just spilled out without restraint…
“That’s perfectly fine.”
Without a care for Liliana’s worry, Odigos replied cheerfully.
“There’s an agreement that states, ‘I should cooperate with demons to the best of my ability.’ Although, Cannibal merely decided that unilaterally. He’s been conceptualized for quite some time, and I don’t hold a responsible position like a demon god, so I don’t have an obligation to simply comply. More importantly, if someone seeks guidance in front of me, I will prioritize that.”
—Liliana thought.
“I want to contract with you.”
Guidance. That was what she desperately desired right now.
But not in the Demon World. She wanted it in the real world.
—She wanted to return to the real world with Odigos.
That was all she thought of. She spoke without considering the details.
“… I am now.”
Odigos, standing before Liliana, slowly replied.
“I am about to show you the path that befits you.”
Liliana wondered if Odigos had felt offended by her sudden comment when it had been eager to guide her.
“Ah… I’m sorry.”
“No, that’s not it. Not at all.”
As Liliana shrank back, Odigos shook its body gently, as if to say no.
“That’s not it. Right now—even in this very moment! I am trying to show you the path that befits you…!”
It stood there, completely still.
Odigos said.
“Do you understand? My powers indicate that the demon suitable for you is right here.”
Right here, at this very spot.
Before Liliana.
“Ah…”
Odigos sighed.
It was a deep, profound sigh that carried the weight of countless years, making it feel overwhelmingly ancient.
“Finally… finally found it.”
Turning once more.
“—My lady, would you contract with me?”
Stretching out a sleeve gracefully.
“If you contract with me, you won’t have to wander anymore. However, that does not mean you will walk a smooth path.”
With the other arm resting against its chest.
“Just as I am somewhat automatic, you too shall find yourself compelled to follow the guidance—even if you wish not to. You may find yourself stepping into perilous roads that anyone would avoid, knowingly traversing dangerous paths.”
“—But that must be the right road that leads to the destination, right?”
Liliana answered with a smile.
“—Of course! My guidance does not err.”
Odigos smiled in return.
“However, that’s not all. Many troubled souls will appear before you. And you won’t be able to leave them alone—you’ll have no choice but to guide them. That too will be a challenging journey.”
“I’m fine with that.”
Liliana chuckled brightly.
“—Because that’s how it’s always been!”
And she took Odigos’s outstretched hand.
“… Wonderful! Ah, those I’ve guided until now… surely, they must have felt this way too…!”
If Odigos had a real face, it would surely be in tears. Such was the emotion laden in its voice.
“…May I ask your name, my lady?”
“Oh, how rude of me. I am Liliana. Liliana El Del Milfluer.”
“What a lovely name. Then, let’s do this again… Liliana.”
The presence of Odigos thickened with gravity.
“I am the stick. As long as you don’t lose heart, I shall support you, guide you, and grant you strength. No matter how rugged the path, I will see you safely through. I swear by the name of the Guide Demon Odigos.”
“If you support and empower me, I too shall guide those troubled souls before me. As long as my life endures. I swear by the name of Liliana El Del Milfluer.”
Power flowed from Odigos—
It was a unique strength unlike any attribute familiar to Liliana.
A new law seeped into her very fingertips.
Yet, it was not unpleasant in any way.
Even in this hazy Demon World.
She felt as if the view had opened up like a clear sky.
Simultaneously, she sensed an attraction—something guiding her body and soul toward the rightful direction.
“Do you understand?”
Odigos said warmly.
“This is the power of guidance.”
—And that attraction extended behind Liliana, toward the [Dark Abyss].
In other words, it was leading her back to the real world.
“Now, let us go, my contractor.”
With the elegance of a gentleman inviting her to a dance.
“To the ends of the world—!”
Dancing, Odigos took Liliana’s hand.
“And guide those troubled souls.”
Calmly, brightly, and above all, joyfully.
“To the conclusion you desire!”
To a shining future.
“—Yes!”
Liliana nodded vigorously, responding.
“Let’s go!”
And the two of them passed through the gate.
The magic power of the strongest with the greatest potential in the real world and the oldest demon from the dawn of the Demon World—
Descended here to bring forth a new guidance.
—
It seems the dog has jumped into the dark hole only to come back with a seriously tough stick in its mouth.
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