Chapter 477 - Cayman (2)
A long time ago.
The light shone upon the world, granting warmth, but inevitably cast shadows on the opposite side of the world.
And within that darkness, three Archdemons were born.
Ipea Karn.
Molgarne.
Noxias.
Beings who bore transcendence from the moment of birth reigned as the apex of all demons, scattering endless despair and suffering across the entire continent.
Those who were captivated by demons became demon worshippers, volunteering to serve as their vanguard.
The Church of Light, the Luas Church, opposed the brutal abnormal species across long ages, and at times waged holy wars to subjugate high-ranking demons.
This war between good and evil seemed destined to last until the world's end.
However, about 640 years ago, an incident occurred that shattered the balance of conflict in an instant.
The annihilation of Molgarne, Archdemon of the Legion.
Among the Archdemons, he had inflicted the greatest damage upon the world──boasting a force of continent-wide scale──the malice met its end.
Oh, Luas.
The Sacred Tome invoked the miracles of God.
The Sacred Armor shielded the chosen ones from evil power.
When the Sacred Sword slashed the Archdemon into helplessness.
The Sacred Spear pierced Molgarne's heart and head, ripping them into shreds.
The conclusion of the war, later named the First Holy War, was nothing short of a monumental moment.
The chosen of Luas Church, blessed by the four Sacred Relics of the Church of Light, had at last achieved the great feat of purifying an Archdemon.
After Molgarne's death, radiance poured down like beams of light, annihilating the demonic legions that had been under his command.
The demons who turned and fled were, in the end, mostly hunted down.
From that glorious day, the structure of the struggle between good and evil collapsed entirely.
In the end, the two remaining Archdemons trembled in fear, hiding with their high-ranking demons in the shadows to escape the light...
"...such is the content recorded in the Scriptures of Light. But, there is an untold story, a more detailed account that remains. The whereabouts of the two Archdemons, Ipea Karn and Noxias."
Cayman gestured lightly.
The teapot clicked several times as its contents diminished, while the two cups on the table filled.
'What principle is this?'
Verden, watching the unknown force, quietly shifted his gaze.
Ssshhk.
The Shadow Demon, who had been secretly staring at Verden, lowered its pupils.
A reaction with no apparent cause. That alone marked it as an abnormal species.
Verden withdrew his interest and focused on the conversation with Cayman.
"As the Holiness may already suspect, Archdemons belong to the same race, but they are not a community. They are utterly individual beings. That is why Molgarne was subjugated alone."
"In human terms, like different nations."
"Yes, so their thoughts and principles of action are completely different. Where Molgarne reveled in slaughter, Noxias was relatively moderate in comparison."
"And Ipea Karn?"
"That Archdemon is... somewhere in between the two. Rather than emotions like pleasure, it acts primarily out of necessity. Because of that, it is generally quiet, but at times, far more dangerous than Molgarne."
Cayman relayed the information he had heard about Archdemons to Verden in an easy-to-understand manner.
Most likely, that source was the high-ranking demon with whom Cayman Vermont had made a pact.
"In any case, after the annihilation of the Archdemon Molgarne, the momentum of the Church was unstoppable. The Luas Church designated Noxias as their next target, foretelling the Second Holy War."
"Noxias? From what I hear, it seems Ipea Karn poses a greater danger."
"That is true, but to the Luas Church, they are all Archdemons alike. And, Ipea Karn did play a trick. He used Noxias as bait, buying himself time to escape."
...an Archdemon betrayed another Archdemon?
'Well, not strange at all.'
Humans stab each other in the back all the time, how much more demons?
Especially Archdemons.
"Ipea Karn disappeared somewhere on the continent. From time to time, scattering information about Noxias, even severing his own underlings, erasing his traces completely."
"Thorough."
"Haha, he is an Archdemon who will do anything if necessary."
Cayman took a sip of tea.
"In the end, Noxias had to choose. Wage total war against the Luas Church, or lead the demons into flight... He chose the latter, but a question remained. Was there truly anywhere on this continent to flee? With that dreadful light flooding every corner."
"..."
"Caught in such worry, Noxias suddenly struck upon a stratagem. Complete spatial separation. If he could do that, perhaps he could escape the light of Luas. With little time to spare, the plan was immediately carried out."
Noxias invoked his unique authority, forming a realm of darkness temporarily severed from the world.
Next, he severed his right hand, and based upon it, offered a part of his own existence and life force as sacrifice.
Thus, the realm of darkness became the world's backdrop, and the severed right hand became the vast land sustaining that world.
That was the birth of the Reverse World, Libereas.
***
As a result, with the two Archdemons vanishing, the Second Holy War never broke out.
On the surface, what remained were only the remnants of demons and their worshippers.
The Luas Church, as if venting its fury, turned its light against them. The nations devoted to the Light joined as well.
The demons and their worshippers, exterminated in the Western and Eastern continents, gathered in the Central Continent in order to resist.
Just as the Luas Church intended.
Soon, the demons trapped in the Central Continent were isolated.
From time to time, demons infiltrated society, or worshippers caused disturbances and acts of terror, but such things were merely thrashings.
Their exploits amounted only to filling newspaper columns before being annihilated by the paladin order.
Demons are slowly going extinct.
***
After hearing of the origins of the Reverse World, Libereas, Verden spoke.
"With his own power and flesh, he created the sky and shaped the land... Sounds like a myth."
"Hahaha, it is indeed similar to the tale of the Primordial Light at the beginning of the Scriptures of Light. When I first heard it, I too thought it was a preposterous story."
"And after that, what became of Noxias? Even for a transcendent being, to cause such a phenomenon, he could not have remained unscathed."
Verden did not consider Noxias's account to be a lie. Nor did he think it was exaggerated.
Ignacia had manifested illusions into reality, effortlessly creating vast labyrinths in an instant, so what would be impossible?
Because Verden himself was a Transcendent, he understood the power and capabilities of beings who belonged to the realm of transcendence.
Cayman nodded.
"You are right. Every result must come with due price. Though Noxias succeeded in escaping the light of Luas, the toll was grievous, leaving his very existence unstable. He could not even maintain his true form... Thus, he is recovering within Libereas. Even now, after about 638 years."
"So it was literally a refuge for the Archdemon."
Verden crossed his arms.
"And only by passing through there, can the spatial coordinates of the Black Hour Great Hall be observed and invaded."
"Exactly. A method using demonic power. It is difficult to explain in words, so later, I shall show you directly when we go to Libereas."
"As you wish. But, by my estimation, wouldn't there be all kinds of demons swarming about here and there... Do you not feel disturbed?"
"Disturbed, you say..."
"I once read in a book, that demons may see humans as nothing more than livestock."
He declared.
"If ever I see such a demon-like spectacle with my own eyes, I will kill every one of them without exception."
Verden did not unconditionally antagonize abnormal species. As long as they respected the line, he was willing to accept them.
He had even spared Dumal, a Vampire in the Ownerless Land, and entrusted him with the stewardship of a domain.
But abnormal species... especially demons, if they acted like demons, there was no reason to spare them. They would fall far below Verden's personal standard.
It was the same logic as hunting goblins that were attacking humans.
Naturally, he had not the slightest intention of turning a blind eye. He was not someone who needed to pander in such a way.
The Transcendent called Verden was such a being.
Flinch.
The Shadow Demon shuddered.
Its pupils rolled further downward until only the whites of its eyes showed.
Cayman, gauging the weight carried in Verden's firm words, broke into a cold sweat.
"...Fortunately, such a thing will not happen. In Libereas, there are no pure humans. And, as I said before, Noxias is of the more moderate kind."
"Then there is no problem. If I sounded threatening, I apologize. But it is an issue that must be made clear."
"Not at all. Rather, it puts my mind at ease, that such a Holiness is cooperating with Melard."
Cayman wiped his sweat with a handkerchief, then gave a faint smile.
And he said.
"However, to enter Libereas, one condition must be met."
"What is it?"
"Humans cannot enter."
The Luas Church is a faith meant only for humans, and to escape from it, the Archdemon created Libereas.
A restriction natural, if natural it is.
Of course, Verden had already transcended humanity, and Isabella was an abnormal species, so there was no issue.
'But that means I cannot bring Adrian.'
That will not do.
To infiltrate the headquarters of the Black Hour, leaving behind Adrian, the strongest force, would be foolish.
'...!'
Suddenly, a good idea struck him.
"What if a human is sealed, then brought along?"
"If sealed... they could cross the threshold of Libereas, but, if the seal were undone inside, it would cause a grave problem... Hmm, I have never heard of such a case, so I cannot give a definite answer. I will ask the demon with whom I am contracted."
It seemed Cayman was capable of smooth communication with demons.
"Much obliged."
"Think nothing of it."
A sigh, shaking off tension, slipped out.
"...To think I would live to see such a day. The re-conquest of the Black Hour, taken by Dahit. Truthfully, I had half given up. But, are you truly confident?"
Cayman voiced his concern.
"Dahit is unpredictable. Even if we try to divert his attention from outside, I doubt it would work. At worst, you might confront him directly in the Great Hall."
"In that case, yes, the situation would surely descend into disaster. But, I assure you, failure is not an option."
Verden spoke with certainty.
'Whether it is grounded in clear reasoning, or simply sheer confidence... I feel I now understand a little of what this Transcendent is.'
So Cayman thought.
"Very well. Then it is worth it, to open the entrance of Libereas to Your Holiness. With that, the main subject is finished... Is there anything else you wish to know?"
Something to know.
"There is something I wish to ask personally... but, before that, apart from the Black Hour, I wish to request a commission."
"Speak."
"Among my acquaintances, there is one cursed by a demon. Even the miracle of an Archbishop could not dispel it."
"If the Archbishop's power had no effect, it must be the work of a high-ranking demon. What are its traits?"
"Those who see her face are all struck with terror. And, when she draws upon the demon's power, her mind is gradually eroded, but her physical abilities are greatly enhanced. Can you tell which demon she is tied to?"
Leira, the adventurer of Mithril rank, candidate for the Ark, known by the epithet 'Bloodstained Sword'.
Verden had not forgotten the promise he made with her.
"Hmm... there are hints, though not certain. I will look into it separately."
"I entrust it to you."
"Haha, this much is no trouble. You are the ally who will help fulfill our vow. Ask the rest of your questions."
Without reservation, Verden fixed his gaze upon Cayman.
"Demon contractors are often said to be even more vicious than demon worshippers. But you do not seem to practice human sacrifice. Are all contractors like this?"
"Most do offer human sacrifice to draw stronger power, but I am an exception. I have no need of such power, and besides, the nature of the demon I am contracted with is likewise."
"No different from a human, then."
"I would hope not different."
"Then why do you remain here, instead of joining the Society?"
Cayman maintained regular contact with Melard, and sincerely wished for the day the Black Hour was reclaimed.
So much so, that a single letter from Melard was enough for him to trust Verden and lend his strength.
Yet Cayman deliberately kept his distance from the Society.
Why?
To Verden's question, the man who had contracted with a demon answered quietly.
"...I wish to be no different, but in the end, I am different."
Cayman Vermont smiled bitterly.
"I am no longer a mage."
***
The date of the plan was set.
After concluding his meeting with Cayman, Verden left the cliffside village immediately.
Though the reuse interval of
"Different, eh..."
Sitting on a thick branch, leaning against the tree in rest, Verden thought deeply about the Luas Church.
The symbol of the Luas Church is light, and light carries life.
Thus, the undead born of death are more vulnerable than anything else to the miracles wielded by the clergy of Luas.
This natural antagonism has no inconsistency.
'But what of demons?'
Let us consider again.
The symbol of the Luas Church is light, and the symbol of demons is darkness.
Light and darkness.
It was vague to claim them merely as different as life and death.
For the Luas Church, when opposing demons, seldom invoked light and darkness, but rather constantly cried good and evil.
Here, a question arose.
Why is light good, and darkness evil?
And how is good and evil defined?
The world is not so simple, that such dichotomy would easily suffice.
Yet, no matter how many hypotheses Verden considered, he could not step far beyond the bounds of the Scriptures of Light.
"...Why are the miracles of Luas fatal to demons?"
If it were not a relationship of polar opposites, as with life and death, then there should be room for a counterargument.
So is the enmity between Luas and demons merely because of the conceptual relation of light and darkness?
Or, because good and evil are vaguely distinguished?
If not that... is there some other reason?
Verden grew curious.
***
The hill of the cliffside village.
In the shadows, beyond the reach of the villagers' eyes, stood an abnormal species.
It was the Shadow Demon.
The demon, parasitic upon Cayman's shadow, stared with its round eyes at the path Verden had departed.
And then.
Drop... drop, drop... drop.
From the eyes of the Shadow Demon, black tears slowly fell. It was not reason, but instinct.
Even the Shadow Demon itself did not understand why it wept, nor what this reaction even was.
But if another had seen it, they might have felt this.
The demon's eyes, as if struggling within endless darkness, sparkled, as though glimpsing a single ray of light.
You can read more chapters in organised way on my website:- https://revengernovel.com