Chapter 351 - Because We Are Human

Loqierra looked at Vysis with reproachful eyes.

[You don’t hold love for the creations———- for the Humans.]

[Ara? From a common-sense perspective, shouldn’t you be kneeling down already? For you to not be doing that, you sure lack common sense.]

[Even the way that I am, I still love humans. I love them as if they were my own children. Parents love their children…… And you don’t think that’s natural? For a parent to not love their children…… For them to only think of them as tools and toys to fulfill their own desires, I don’t think there’s anything more pathetic than that.]

[Eh, is that so? That aside, when are you gonna kneel down? Get down on your knees already~~ Even I ain’t got all the time in the world~~ Is, the, kneeling, gonna, be, there, yet? Ahh, I’m so busy! Now, do it already!]

[I should have said this to you already.]

[Alright already, now get down on your knees. Hurry it up.]

[I hate you————- Vysis.]

[And I said I hate you too————– Loqierra.]

Loqierra disappeared.

No———— That’s not it.

It just looked like she disappeared.

She moved at a speed that my eyes couldn’t catch.

Perhaps———– Loqierra went on the attack.

On the other hand, I also felt a sign of activity from nearby.

The only thing that I felt though———- was the fluctuation of that sign.

It seemed that Vysis also moved.

[——————–]

[Good grief…… Didn’t I already tell you? Did you really think you could win against me?]

The two Deities closed the distance between each other.

And perhaps———— they have exchanged some sort of exchange in just a moment.

But before I knew it……

A headless body, facing forward, stood before me.

Immediately after……

That body was torn apart.

Standing on the other side of the body, which had become chunks of flesh……

[Fufufu, I just imitated your tone earlier? How was it? Does it resemble yours? Ara ara, did you really think you can win———— Loqierra?]

In Vysis’ outstretched hand———– lays Loqierra’s head.

Thereupon, Vysis turns around……

And I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Vysis’ eyes……

The pupils, the scleras, they were all black.

[Too weak———— and too strong.]

An uncanny smile appears on Vysis’ lips.

[I expected that if the interference value had been increased this much, they would naturally dispatch a certain number of Deities. It was rather good that someone of Loqierra’s level came. After all, I wanted to test whether the Anti-Deity Augment is really effective against those sh*tty bunch above…… but well, I had too much leeway that even I was utterly shocked?]

[Vysis……]

[Hmm, I don’t really like that beautiful face of yours, Loqierra.]

Thereupon, Loqierra’s face, which was settled in Vysis’ right hand, shriveled up.

As if she’s aging rapidly……

[Fufufu…… It sure makes things easy when they don’t resist, right? Easy peasy. Heeey? Can’t you feel it? I’m whittling away your existence here, you know? Ahh, how utterly unsightly…… Extremely pathetic……]

[V… si……]

[Ara!? No way!? Your face now looked like a wrinkled, dead tree! No way!? Seriously, are you alright!? Ahahaha, this is too funny! This is——— T- That Loqierra!? Don’t tell me, you’re really that Loqierra!? Ahahaha, this is just the best! Ahh, my stomach hurts…… I- I guess playing with Deities might also be interesting! Because of their endurance, depending on how I do things, couldn’t they even be more interesting than the humans who die quickly!? Ah, but humans have their numbers! Seeing them suffer in large numbers is quite the sight to behold!]

[Hooo———………….., Oooooooo———–…………]

Loqierra’s eye sockets are now as deep as a cave.

Her mouth too is like an emaciated tree’s hollow.

[Eh? Are you perhaps trying to say something? Can’t hear anything like a sound from that shabby air hole of yours though? Ahahaha…… Fuuu, this is just so hilarious…… Ahh, you’re so amusing. You’re bringing me down to tears here, Loqierra.]

Vysis seemed wholeheartedly amused.

Delighted.

Yes———— She looked delighted.

[We’ve vanquished Vanargadia for the time being but…… Fufufu, let’s keep Loqierra from being vanquished? She needs to understand her position clearer! I have to show her the terrible spectacle Heaven will be in! I also have to kill the humans she oh so loves. The sight of her beloved humans, consumed by suffering, hating each other in wretchedness, and killing each other…… Ahh, I want to thoroughly show it to her…… How ugly these beings are.]

Saying this, Vysis tossed Loqierra’s head upward.

As the head fell down, this time, she lightly kicked it up.

Juggling Loqierra’s head with her kicks……

Kicking up the falling head, and then kicking it up again……

Repeatedly and repeatedly……

As if she was playing……

[Ei.]

Vysis kicked the falling head of Loqierra.

Don!

Without any hesitation, she kicked it away.

The head hit the wall with great force and rolled on the floor.

[Hooo…… Oohhh……]

[Hmmm? Did you say something? I can’t hear you, you know?]

Vysis put her hand over her ear and acted like she was trying to pick up sounds.

The next moment, she burst out laughing.

[Like I saaaaaid————- I don’t understand what you’re saying! Pfft, teehee! You’re so pathetic that you’re bringing me to tears! This is such a disgrace to the Deities~~]

As if to say he can’t stand watching anymore, Wormungandr shrugged his shoulders.

Ars and Yomibito just silently watched from behind the railings.

Neither of them reacted in any particular way.

[Noooooow then…… I must proceed with the activation of the Sacraments and the preparations for the gate. It seems that bothersome insects like that Fly King and a Mad Emperor are buzzing around in the west, but they won’t make it in time? By the time they get here, I have gone through the gate to Heaven with the Sacraments? Fufufu, even though they’re coming here with the Forbidden Curses, how unfortunate. All they would have was wasted effort that it brings tears to my eyes. Goodbye.]

Waving her hands in the air, Vysis’ eyes had returned to their original golden eyes.

[Even so…… Even though I said that Fly King and his groupies won’t make it in time, it still takes a long time to fully activate the Sacraments and open the gate to Heaven. Hmmm…… Just in case, I guess I’ll send out the Sacraments that aren’t specialized against Deities and buy me some time. This would also serve as a trial whether my prepared Sacraments are functioning properly……]

With those words, Vysis stomps on Loqierra’s head.

Bang!

[All dimensions, all worlds…… the greatest suffering, the hatred, and…… all the senseless deaths———— All that exists shall be for this Vysis’ sake.]

And thus, the White God proclaims.

[Offer it before me————- and I shall bestow you a banquet of pleasure.]

With a smile, Vysis claps her hands.

[Ahh, what fun? How truly delightful.]

▽

Since then, Vysis began to stay in that underground space.

The countless Sacraments that were hidden in the basement.

The Gate leading to Heaven.

It seems that it would take a good amount of time to activate both of them.

“Ahh, Nyantan, I haven’t forgotten about your demigodification. We’ll do it later.”

I feel like———— she’s starting to change her mind.

In that smile of hers, it felt as if she found dealing with this demigodification troublesome———— like it’s something she’s truly disinterested in.

Perhaps, she was satisfied with various things and became satisfied with what she already had.

While she was in that underground space, Vysis asked me to represent her.

(If there’s an opportunity…… I guess now would be the time.)

It seems that those three Divine Servants are fortunately still in the underground space.

In other words, I’m relatively free to do as I please right now.

(With Vysis’ victory over those Deities and the fact that her plans are progressing smoothly…… She’s clearly paying less and less attention to me now……?)

Activating the Sacraments and the Gate.

(I have the impression that her attention to things other than those two is becoming cruder……)

I was even told that reporting to the underground space once a day is no longer needed.

I suppose she thinks that as long as the startup is finished, nothing else matters anymore huh.

[………………….]

The Heroes in the Royal Capital are still ordered to wait at their quarters.

I also know where Tamotsu Zakurogi is.

The place where my little sisters are being held captive———– is located southwest of the Royal Capital.

I should be able to get there in half a day’s ride by carriage……

Sitting on the edge of the bed in my room, just as if I’m offering a prayer, my hands are intertwined together and placed on my forehead.

(……Vysis’ words are recorded on the smartphone. However———– I can’t just stop here. I have to tell those who are likely to be able to stop Vysis. If Vysis returns to this world, my little sisters will eventually suffer…… However———–)

What should I do?

Mira’s army in the west———— Fly King Squadron, which is said to be in possession of the Forbidden Curses.

I have received reports of the speed of their advance.

it isn’t possible for them to arrive at the Royal Capital today or tomorrow.

Vysis herself said that they wouldn’t make it in time at their current speed.

No……

If Vysis finishes the activation of the Gate and the Sacraments, and they go to Heaven……

(If she actually goes there, couldn’t we perhaps even buy time……?)

It’s that Vysis, who has been looking tired of other things lately.

Wouldn’t it be possible that she might not even come back to this world again?

Yes, that Heaven might even turn the tables on her———–

[……Fuuu.]

I let out a sigh.

It’s too much wishful thinking.

The world wouldn’t necessarily work that way.

It isn’t going to change if one just puts their faith in wishful thinking.

I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door of the room.

That was a somewhat strange signal for a visit.

From the position of the sound, it was probably from the tap with the tip of a shoe or something along those lines.

However, I had the impression that it was a gentle tap.

For one to be as rough as to knock with their foot, yet for it to be a gentle tap……

If one were to knock courteously, one would normally just use the back of their hand.

That’s why, this seemed somewhat odd.

[……Can I help you?]

Without knowing who it is, I responded for the time being.

[I’d appreciate it if you could let me in first before we talk.]

[……?]

(This voice……? ………….., ————–!)

Reminded of whose voice that was, I carefully, but quickly opened the door.

There, I found her……

[Ahh…… I knew you would open your door. Unnn, as I thought, you really are someone I could trust. Most of all———— You are someone who doesn’t like Vysis. That is something I could tell.]

About the size of a palm, with the appearance of a child———–

[Loqierra……?]

[I’d like to know about that Fly King and Mad Emperor…… and the Forbidden Curses that Vysis had mentioned before.]

With a serious expression on her face, she looked up at me……

[To save my children———- to save the humans.]

I couldn’t help feeling puzzled by her words.

[I don’t like Vysis-sama……? Why do you think that?]

[I suppose it’s by intuition.]

[Ah.]

The little Loqierra entered the room on her own.

For the time being, I closed the door and turned to Loqierra.

[Why did you come to me?]

[It was a process of elimination.]

Loqierra turns around on the carpet.

[You were the only one I feel like I could rely on in this castle———- I mean, I just got here, you know? So, was my bet right?]

Even when she said all that…… I was wary.

Was this…… some kind of farce by Vysis to test how credible I am?

[That wrinkled head of mine is still underground. Since they believed that I am unable to move on my own, the management down there is quite lax. Vysis’ current focus was solely on activating all her powerful Anti-Deity Sacraments for use against the Deities and opening the gate. And so…… I detached a part of myself and moved around like this. I slipped out with this body I detached from my head and managed to make my way here. This is an ability not even Vysis knows about.]

Explaining this, Loqierra sat cross-legged on the carpet.

[Unnn, I guess it’s impossible for one to just suddenly trust another. The same goes for me after all. I myself am not sure if I can completely trust you. However, I want to trust you. And if possible, I would like you to lend me your help in contacting the Fly King and the Mad Emperor.]

[Why…… them?]

[Because she seemed to dislike them.]

[ ? ]

[When Vysis mentioned their names———- especially when she talked about that Fly King, she seemed pretty displeased with them. Those humans won’t make it in time…… and with a triumphant look on her face, “If things continue like this, I’d reach Heaven and say goodbye, how unfortunate”, Vysis said something along those lines. To me though, it looked like she wanted to get away from them as quickly as possible.]

Now that she mentioned it……

She does seem to be in a hurry.

[However…… If you Deities couldn’t beat Vysis, how can humans win against her?]

[It’s the opposite.]

With a bold smile on her lips, Loqierra declared.

[It’s only because you’re humans that you have a chance to win.]

[It’s…… because we’re humans……?]

[For example, those three Divine Servants, including Wormungandr. Aren’t the allocations of the Prime Origins used on them considerably focused on their Anti-Deity Augments? And also———- actually, even we Deities have growth limits. It’s the same as the Divine Protection of Heroes from Another World.]

Loqierra held up her index finger.

[Simply put, it’s not easy to become the strongest single existence. That’s why Vysis distributes augments using Prime Origin to her Divine Servants and Sacraments like that. The reason we create Divine Servants is the same.]

[……As we can fight without being affected by that Anti-Deity Augment, you’re saying we have more chance of winning against her than Deities?]

[You have great comprehension ability. Indeed, that’s what I meant..]

[………………….]

[It’s just like how Heroes from Another World can fight without being affected by the Tyrant’s Miasma. And so———- What do you think? As a Deity, I think I can give a lot of advice about Vysis. The reason why I’m explaining this now is that I want you to think “This might just work”. The reason I’m being open and honest about this and that is because I want you to trust me————- That’s all there is to it.]

At that moment, I suddenly felt as if Loqierra’s expression had a somewhat maternal atmosphere to it.

[……I know it may seem to be a fruitless struggle. However, I really don’t like Vysis, who only thinks of humans as toys to play with and the world as her own miniature garden to destroy. I mean, even we didn’t think she’d become that bad. Heaven has also been in turmoil for a long time, and the observation reactions through the crystals have consistently remained without issues. The Roots of All Evil were being properly purged. Even with the way Vysis was, she still properly fulfills her duties as a Deity…… is what we were thinking. If the interference value hadn’t risen to this level, we usually wouldn’t have permitted the dispatch of another Deity.]

Saying this, Loqierra paused for a moment, looking up at the closed curtained window.

[But well, I suppose that too were just excuses. In any case…… I want to trust the humans. After all, it’s they——— the humans of which I love.]

Loqierra’s eyes……

I suddenly felt “something” from within them.

Something very important.

That something———— it was probably affection.

Strong affection.

It was……

It was similar to the love I had for my little sisters.

An emotion held within me———— Loqierra held something like that in her.

[……If what you just said is true……]

[Unnn.]

[I wish you had been the Deity that was sent to this continent…… is what I was thinking.]

Hearing my words, Loqierra could only wryly smile, somewhat apologetically.

[I’m sorry.]

She was smiling.

However, it was a smile that made me feel how apologetic she was.

[……………………]

If she bet on me……

I think I should try betting on her too.

The affection that I had just felt from Loqierra, exuding maternal love.

If that is something I can’t believe in……

Wouldn’t that mean that the love I have for my little sisters isn’t something I can’t believe in either?

Somehow, I suddenly felt like that.

That’s why……

I want to believe in her.

I want to believe———– in this affection I sensed from her.

[……I understand.]

That’s why, I made up my mind.

[I’ll help you.]

[Unnn…… I knew you would say so.]

It’s just, there was still one question I had to ask.

[However, from the way Vysis spoke…… By the time Vysis activates the Anti-Deity Sacrament Army and that Gate leading to Heaven…… Wouldn’t it be too late for the Fly King and the Mad Emperor?]

Thereupon, Loqierra let out her brightest smile.

[I came to this world in a hurry…… but before we came down to that basement, I’ve confirmed one thing.]

[ ? ]

[Perhaps, Vysis is still missing one very important thing.]

[A very important thing? What in the world is…… ———–!]

In that instant, I heightened my senses.

[………………….]

Loqierra also noticed the abnormality.

From beyond the curtain of the closed window……

Something, a presence appeared.

No———– I knew it was there from a moment ago.

However, it seemed like a presence that I didn’t need to worry about.

But suddenly, the quality of that presence changed.

What I could see through the curtains…… is an owl?

What in the—————

“I’m sorry, but I can’t speak with you for too long. Let me come in and talk to you…… Please. I am the Fly King’s…… no. If it’s you, I suppose it would be better if I say I’m Hijiri’s messenger?”

Calling out from beyond the window was a human voice.

……Moreover……

What did the voice just say?

[Hijiri……?]

“I’m a familiar sent by Hijiri.”

[! A familiar!?]

Loqierra sounded surprised.

[Such a thing still exists in this world huh……]

I quickly made the decision to let the owl into the room.

Loqierra doesn’t seem to be particularly objecting either.

Flying into the room, the owl landed on the desk……

“I’ve been looking for an opportunity to make contact with you. I’ve eavesdropped on the people in the castle, and I heard that Vysis hasn’t been sighted lately. That’s why I think now is the only time to do this———— No, all these explanations are unnecessary. Listen here, okay? I’ll try my best to keep it to the point, so listen carefully……”

There was some startling information in what the owl had to say.

However, the moment I heard it, I was surprised.

So surprised that I involuntarily held my hand with both hands.

[————-Nyaki.]

Perhaps, having been overcome with emotion, my voice seemed riddled with tears.

Mixed among the information given to us were things only Nyaki could have known.

That means the owl’s story must be true.

“That girl, Nyaki, has also been worried about your…… about her “Nee-nya’s” safety for a long time.”

[The Fly King…… had saved her?]

“Yes. Ah, wait…… The conversation isn’t over yet. I’ll continue.”

As if she’s continuously throwing them out, the owl kept on passing out information.

Apparently, Mira’s spies are waiting just outside the Royal Capital.

Arrangements are in place for escape.

And so———–

“I’ve already given you all the information you need to know”.

After the owl said this……

“Hereafter…… I’m going to tell…… Mira’s spies…… that you are bringing the Heroes staying here with you out to escape from this place.”

[Ummm, are you alright? Your words were repeatedly being broken off……]

“That’s laughable———– is what I’d like to say…… but vocal communication like this…… has quite the burden on me. That’s why, for the time being…… I won’t be able to assist you…… after I lose consciousness. But before that…… I’d say a few words about you…… to Mira’s spies. It would make it easier…… to move when escaping. Keep this in mind, okay? Make sure…… you all escape. Under…… stand?”

[Yes.]

“Alright…… Good reply.”

The owl flies out of the window.

That familiar seemed to be somewhat curious by Loqierra’s presence.

However, the time she had left probably was just too short.

It seems that she only focused on conveying information at the moment.

I construct in my mind my future course of action.

First, I should go to the quarters of the Heroes and gather them together.

I had been in contact with Kayako Suou several times before.

She said that when there was a need for the Heroes, we should talk to her first.

Ayaka Sogou had apparently asked her to gather the Heroes together.

I’ll have Kayako gather the Heroes together at the moment we’ll escape from here.

As for Tamotsu Zakurogi, we should be able to somehow handle him.

He has an extreme fear of Vysis, so there is a possibility that he will go berserk.

Worst case scenario, we can knock him out and just take him with us.

And then————- there’s also my other three little sisters who are being held captive.

Pondering upon the information and instructions that the owl just told me……

(Perhaps now really is the time to do this……)

Escape out of here and head west.

And then……

I will meet up with Fly King’s forces.

Right now, in this castle, I am the right hand of Vysis.

Having such a status, it makes it relatively easy to move around freely.

Having such thoughts in mind, I quickly prepared myself.

Next, I take out the smartphone from the pocket in my clothes.

Just to be sure, I checked to see if I can still bring forth the voice from that time.

“————–If this plan comes to fruition…… I will return to this world and try to reduce the number of people on this continent to 10%.”

Alright.

There’s no problem with it.

Hearing Vysis’ voice from the smartphone though, Loqierra curiously asked.

[What’s that?]

[It’s one of our trump cards.]

[Fumu…… Quite an interesting article. When we have time later, I’d like to hear more about it.]

After nodding at her words, I opened the leather bag on my waist.

[I’m going to carry you in here, but would that be alright?]

[Yes, that will be fine.]

I put Loqierra in the leather bag.

She fits nicely in it.

If she just shrinks herself a bit and closes the lid, she’d be able to hide herself.

[Thank you, Nyantan. I express my gratitude.]

[I think it’s too early to thank me, Loqierra-sama.]

[No need for the formalities. Children don’t usually address their parents with “-sama” by their names, right?]

[……Loqierra it is then.]

[Good. Unnn, it’s nice to have a closer sense of distance like this. By the way…… Nyan…… tan……]

[ ! Are you alright? Are you not feeling well……]

[I’m just like that familiar earlier…… I’m sorry…… but I’ll also…… be sleeping a bit. Just reaching this place already took a toll on me…… There’s hardly any strength left in this body right now…… Recovery is also really slow with this body…… so I may…… sleep for quite a long time…… and not wake up……]

[I understand. Until we meet up with the Fly King and the others————- I will protect you, even if it costs me my life.]

[I’m……sorry…… Ah…… also———-]

I felt like she was about to say something.

However, perhaps having reached her limit……

Loqierra closed her eyes and fell asleep.

[…………………….]

It was a quiet night.

Moonlight was leaking through the curtains.

Gazing at the ray of moonlight on the floor of my room for a moment———— I focused on my current goal.

[Let’s go.]

Closing the lid of the leather bag containing the sleeping Loqierra, I looked towards the door.

[Let us save your children.]