Chapter 349
The anxieties of the gods like Kefeli, embroiled in the prime god conflict, were in a sense, spot-on.
The Goddess of Light, Lina, and the Goddess of Earth, Juli, were attempting to make contact with a certain god.
"An honor indeed that two such beauties would seek an audience with me. So, what brings you here?"
A god with a small mustache, his hair parted seven-to-three, wearing glasses.
"Thank you for making time amidst your busy schedule. Regarding the recent Aži Dahāka matter, we have something we'd like to discuss."
This god's name is the God of Observation, Haze.He's the extremist loner who wants to summon outer space gods, the one Kefeli and the others are wary of.
A god presiding over the special phenomenon of "observation," he might appear weak at first glance.
However, with his authority of "observation," he has observed phenomena from outer space and obtained power based on principles different from this world.Because he wants to spread those different principles further in this world, he is viewed as dangerous by other gods.
You could call him a radical reformist, perhaps.
He is a conceptual god, different from the natural gods Lina and Juli, and his faction is also different.
"Hmm, Aži Dahāka. Ah yes, I heard it was subjugated by humans the other day.""Yes, it's become a topic among the gods due to how easily it was defeated. *That* Aži Dahāka, you know."
Of course, discussions with such an entity take the form of a secret meeting.Due to their respective positions, meeting openly is not advisable.
"However, that trial was one we, the Judging Panel, judged acceptable to deploy. Being cleared so easily was unexpected, but its defeat itself is not a problem, correct?"
Even for Lina and Juli, this is a god they'd rather not meet if possible.However, having made a certain discovery, the two goddesses decided to contact this god who appeared unconcerned.
"Rumors will die down if left alone. Stirring things up would lower our dignity as gods."
Stroking his beard, he seems to be taking a mature stance, suggesting it's not good to make a fuss. But from Lina and Juli's perspective, they know that inwardly, Haze is seething with rage to the point of boiling his guts.His poker face, pretending nothing is wrong, is impressive, you could say.
"That was our wish as well, but our Juli here found something like this near Aži Dahāka."
However, the moment Juli showed the projected image, they didn't miss the momentary change in expression—less than a single frame, a tiny instant, yet for gods, it was a change they could take as confirmation.
"What do you want?"
Haze himself, who let his emotions show, understands this well.The object shown in the image is an OOPArt—the gemstone Liberta collected—said to have been collected by the gods in ancient times.
An alien object that shouldn't exist in this world.
Forgetting to collect it sounds like a decent excuse, but if it was buried underground near Aži Dahāka's sealed site, that couldn't be a coincidence.
As they say, "It's darkest under the lamp post."You wouldn't think an OOPArt would be in land that had been scrutinized and then kept under surveillance.
The beings capable of skillfully hiding and implanting that object, intended to be fused with Aži Dahāka, are limited.
Due to Liberta's tactics, the ground itself was hardened before Aži Dahāka could absorb it, causing it to fizzle. But what if it *had* been absorbed? How would that battle have turned out?
If absorbed into Aži Dahāka's body, it wouldn't have been noticed, but contrary to the implanter's intentions, physical evidence remained.
Lina and Juli thought this could be used.The absolute underground advantage of the Earth Goddess.And utilizing the visual advantage of the Light Goddess, they could deceive the watchful eyes of the judging gods, even though it's a violation.
If caught, it wouldn't end simply.Haze's guts are boiling over the fact that the power of outer space wasn't manifested.They judged that by exploiting that emotion, they could assist their brother, so they made contact despite the risk.
As insurance, they haven't mentioned what they've hidden. But if rumors and this image are compared, Haze realizes they just haven't let him commit to anything.
Therefore, he gets straight to the point: "Name your desire."
"So, we'd like you to grant one request."
Thus, Lina also smiles and takes the bait.
"Grant convenience to strengthen the Evil God faction.""Indeed, your brother is the current Evil God role. However, with just my, a single god's, statement, approval for strengthening cannot be given so easily."
He probably had a rough idea. Haze isn't surprised and asks for their purpose.The talk of Lina and Juli's brother complex is well-known among the gods.
Even the lone-faction Haze has heard of it, and he's also heard about the cursed letters.He concludes that if these two goddesses act proactively, it can only be about their brother, nothing else.
"Yes, we are aware. But that's just the official stance, isn't it?""......"
And these two goddesses are very competent, aside from that fatal flaw—their brother complex.Abnormally loving one's kin is an everyday occurrence for gods who have nothing to do with human morals.Biases in thought are also commonplace for gods.
The ideology of the gods is: as long as it doesn't destroy the world, it's not a problem.
"But I know. The replica magic puppet. That was actually something prepared for gods to inspect the lower world, wasn't it?""It was quite difficult to investigate. It was a document heavily sealed even among the literature."
However, there is naturally a reason they developed such an ideology.If the cause of world destruction is Liberta's previous world, then natural phenomena like meteorites, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or man-made ones like nuclear war from nuclear weapons could be cited.
So, what is the cause of world destruction by a god's standard? It's divine calamity caused by excessive divine interference.
All phenomena, everything, gives rise to faith. Gods exist by maintaining the world's balance through this.That balance, you could also call it order.How many gods have perished by disturbing that order?
The cause of all these downfalls is divine calamity.
"We found out that the single unit left on earth is a prototype for data collection. Due to past divine calamities, gods were prohibited from descending to the lower world directly in the flesh. But even so, they attempted to create a vessel gods could inhabit, designed to minimize impact on the world by suppressing power—a test product of that effort.""But currently, no material in this world can withstand the power of gods residing in the divine realm. So, where did they bring it from?"
The reason there was only one magic puppet in FBO, and why players couldn't analyze it.The former was because it was intentionally left by a god. By whom, and for what purpose?Lina and Juli investigated that thoroughly.They line up evidence on screen, showing how Haze left the magic puppet in the world under various pretexts for data collection, cornering him logically so he can't make excuses.
"The answer is from the outside world.""Bringing materials from the world of outer space gods. A reckless feat only possible during the chaotic ancient era of the gods, not now."
Lina points to the sky, and Juli gives the answer.Suspecting that an old god would have such a trick, they hit the mark.
In the past, gods who hadn't experienced failure lacked caution and continued doing various reckless things.Compared to the era when the ancient gods' rules were still ambiguous, the current world, even if sometimes turbulent, is much better.
"And that material is still left over. A large amount of it.""Each of us possesses a special space. Storing it there means no worry of being found, and as long as we don't disrupt this world, there's no fear of being investigated.""However, that can also change depending on the situation."
But Haze is a living encyclopedia who survived the ancient era with his authority of "observation."It's natural for him to possess items from the ancient era.
"Hmm, I see. You've investigated well."
They did their homework to gain certainty before entering negotiations.
"What you want is my magic puppet, specifically a completed model that can serve as a vessel for a god, I presume?""...Well, what do you think?""But we are curious about whether it's completed or not."
Sticking to her stance of not letting him commit, Lina nods with apparent satisfaction. Juli's prompting, framed as mere casual conversation, also doesn't seem bad.
"Unfortunately, not yet. Even utilizing all sorts of materials, a vessel for a god is not so easily made. However, I have reached the practical stage. Limited—yes, in a state where power is restricted, it can be used regularly. For a limited time and a few times, it can unleash divine power. It's unfinished, but I guarantee its performance."
In Haze's estimation, they probably want to enter the magic puppet and eliminate the god's Apostle sent down this time.Or perhaps enter the Evil God faction and work to strengthen its forces.
For that, they need a means to interfere with the lower world.That's where the replica magic puppet caught their attention.
"I'm not unwilling to part with it. But it's insufficient.""Insufficient, you say?""Of course. Providing the replica magic puppet as hush money for that gemstone is reasonable. However, the replica magic puppet is in my workshop. That means it exists in the Heavenly Realm. Transporting goods from the Heavenly Realm to the lower world is strictly monitored. You seem confident since you managed to hide that gemstone with your power, but I must say that's naive."
Inwardly, Haze thinks this deal could be acceptable.To draw outer space gods into this world, he needs a legitimate pretext.Using these two goddesses as a foothold for that purpose.
No, settling into a mutually exploitative relationship isn't a bad story.
Currently, there's a general trend of opposition to utilizing outer space power, so Haze is in a lone faction. But if he can draw these two influential goddesses into his faction, his influence in the divine realm will increase.
He doesn't expect them to obediently join just because he asks. If they use that as a reason to treat this discussion as if it never happened and leak information inconvenient for Haze, the loss would be greater.
"I can deliver the magic puppet to the lower world without the gods of the divine realm noticing, and I can also enable remote entry and exit from within the magic puppet. One task for delivery, one for providing the entry/exit facility, and one for providing the magic puppet. That's three in total."
So, what should Haze do?Gods can see through lies.
Therefore, he must proceed without using falsehoods, maneuvering things to his advantage.
"Even if considered as hush money for two goddesses, one is still lacking."
They each have their objectives.They each acknowledge overlooking each other's somewhat dubious actions.They each understand the other possesses something beneficial.
"Well, whether to refuse or abandon that shortfall is up to your judgment."
To convince Haze with arrogant confidence, Lina and Juli lack the strength.To maliciously guide his thoughts, they lack sufficient cunning, and Haze's trust in the two goddesses isn't sufficient.
Lina and Juli begin to think a little.
The merits and demerits. Whether to do it or not.
It's like a deal with the devil.
They may not go so far as to choose any means for their goal, but the two goddesses had resolve close to it.
"What is your demand?""Unfortunately, we cannot join your faction.""I didn't expect that part."
"Depending on the content..." Haze grins.
Just being able to sit at the negotiation table is already a gain.
"What I seek is just one thing: the Apostle of the Goddess of Wisdom. Liberta's wisdom. I want him captured alive and offered at my altar. I believe this proposal aligns with your interests as well, but what do you think?"
And what the God of Observation desires to propose is the soul of the otherworldly boy.
Listening to this, Haze observes what reaction the two goddesses will have.