Book 2: Chapter 51 (2/2)

「Does that mean I can ask you what I wish to know?」

「Eh, if it’s within the scope of my knowledge, certainly.」

「Then, what is the “Other World”? And what is the “Covenant”?」

「It is simply called the “Other World” by the people of this world. Eh, it is said that the “Other World” is the exact same world as this, which lies on the back side of this world. The “Covenant” seems to be a rule regarding “skill orbs” that was agreed with the “Other World”.」

I didn’t expect to get an actual answer. But, even upon hearing the answer, I have no idea what any of it meant.

「Sorry, but I don’t really get it.」

「Eh, now, of course, we can’t observe the “Other World”. It seems that there was traffic between the two worlds in ancient times, but in order to stop that traffic, we closed the gate that connects the worlds.」

Gate. That mediator said —「Darkness, Open The Gate. Light, Pave The Way.」

「Ouroboros… Is that the gate where the giant snake came out of?」

「Eh, that’s right. The looped snake is an interesting expression. Let’s adopt it.」

El-san took out a bundle from his pocket and started drawing on it. Speaking of which, the Holy King didn’t talk about Ouroboros. I wonder if the report hasn’t arrived yet.

「Right now, we can’t go back and forth between the worlds easily because of the “Covenant”. Eh, however, only mediators can.」

「Mediators, huh… Are dragons mediators too?」

「Oh? You know about that? Eh, yes, dragons are the mediators of this world.」

「The dragon was saying something about punishing humans according to the “Covenant”.」

「Oh? You talked to a dragon?」

Crap, I said too much. I closed my mouth in a hurry, but El-san didn’t mind it, and continued delightedly.

「Eh, that is an extremely rare experience. It is said that dragons are usually found only in remote areas, watching over whether the Covenant is being abided.」

「The “Covenant” again, huh?」

「Yes. It is said that the “Covenant” has several important points, and one of them says something about not taking too many skill orbs or something.」

「Not taking too many?」I asked.

The rabbit nodded in response.

「Skill orbs are said to be ‘”God-given”… but I think it is also a “circulating thing”. Eh, though, I am the only one who believes that in the Holy Royal Palace. I have a theory that skill orbs that disappeared in this world go to the “Other World”, and the skill orbs that disappear in the “Other world” come to this world.」

「————」

My mouth was gaping wide-open. I have never thought of it like that, but it is also strange to think that it is something that grows out of the walls of a mine, like a mushroom.

But if we consider that it is in circulation, doesn’t that mean there is a limit to the total amount? If the population rises explosively, wouldn’t more people not receive skill orbs?

「Eh, it seems that I have caused confusion.」

「A little…」

「To tell the truth, this isn’t really my theory. It was advocated by Dr. Hinga, who was a leading researcher in the deciphering of ancient documents on the “Covenant”, the “Other World”, and the study of “Skill Orbs”. It was a research paper from more than 20 years ago…」

「————」

I was shocked to hear that name appear out of nowhere.

「Sorry, but… who did you just say?」

My voice was faint.

「Dr. Hinga, who was called the “Brain of Forsha Kingdom” in the Keith Gran Federation.」El-san said, offhandedly.

「There was a conflict in the Federation and the kingdom was destroyed. He was declared as missing at that time. Eh, unfortunately, he must have died.」