375 372. Torn page.txt (1/2)

--that was twenty-five days ago.

I could clearly remember that I had abandoned the future of the 'Stealers of Reason' and others.

However, even though my memory was this clear, I couldn't remember the name of the former Abbot, or even the lord. Before my master warned me about it, I managed to try to dredge up my memory.

In the meantime, the lord and master share one of their findings with me.

''Oh, and Kanami-kun. About those people in the example you asked for: .......

”--Hey!　What did you think!　Was there anyone left?!

Probably the people whom my master and I gave treatment (leveling up) in the central recuperation room here on the first day.

They were disposed of by Romis simply because they had begun to worship their master.

As I recall, the story was that they were sent to the basement to be used as material for experiments: .......

'They were left in the basement, where they came of age. It seems that they were forcibly turned into demons in one night - no, they were treated in an atrocious manner that couldn't even be called an experiment. Most of them had died.

...... I see.

As we knew, they all seemed to have met a tragic end.

But that wasn't the end of the story, and the director continued.

'It's just that every single one of those matures was checked by me against the patient list, but only ...... a few names couldn't be filled in. It seems that some of the people who had endured the experiment on the day of that debacle had escaped from the basement.

...... Does that mean that maybe there are survivors?

'I see. There was a boy in that group who said he had guided Kanami-kun through the process. ...... The trend seemed to be that the younger, more talented kids could withstand the demonization.

'Oh, she's ......!　Yeah, right!　Sure, the kid was really smart and full of talent!　Ha, ha!

There were only a few survivors, but thanks to the mixture of my favorite boy there, my master's face lights up a bit.

That boy, like the new lord, couldn't remember his name, but he only remembered that he had been carrying the scripture under his arm for a long time.

Most of all, when he was saved by his master, he used the words 'The Great Savior (Magna Messiah)' and his eyes lit up more than anyone else.

When I heard the good news, I raised my voice just in time to hear it.

'See, Master!　I was right!

I was a little concerned about it.

During the battle of Lomis, I irresponsibly exclaimed, ”All the people my master saved are alive. I am grateful for the good fortune that those words have turned out to be true in some small way.

'Optimism isn't good, but that means pessimism isn't good either!　This way, what a good thing it was, too, comes out a little bit like this!　I'm not going to feel responsible for anything, Master!

'Oh ....... Good, really. Hahaha .......

I emphasize the good news, hoping that this will cure my master's morning habit of indiscriminate ”leveling up”.

Perhaps sensing my thoughts, the lord also praises my master's achievements.

'Kanami-kun, you were definitely the 'savior' of Fania ....... Thanks to you, so many people who will die of disease in the near future have been saved, indeed. It's a bad habit of yours to ignore those people you saved and only count those you couldn't save.

...... Yes, I did. I did the best I could. I have no regrets there.

'Yes, that's all right. The light you brought was truly sacred, like the 'magic' of a fairy tale, and it shimmered so beautifully. ...... The people of Fania will remember that light until the day they die.

Lordship looked at her master and uttered a heartfelt assessment.

Unlike me, her unadorned words seemed to resonate strongly with the master's heart and made him nod his head honestly, ”Yes.

As I watch the two of them, I repeat a single word.

''Holy (...)--''

Well said.

Exactly, I thought it was most appropriate for a master and I liked it.

'So, finally, Kanami-kun. In return for the book you gave me on ”The Technique”, here is my book. I hope it will add to your sister's treatment: ......

The lord then hands him one thick book.

After receiving it, the master turns the pages on the spot to check the contents.

I peeked at it from next to him.

The book had details of the techniques I had seen in Fania written into it.

Even with a quick glance, I could tell that the city's secrets were sparingly recorded.

Perhaps the book contained the entirety of the lord's researcher's life. Understanding that it was a sign of the greatest trust, the master returned his thanks solemnly.

''So much detail ....... Thank you. I will never let it go to waste.

'I'm grateful to you. When I met you, I was convinced. What is swirling around in this world is not a poison. It's a medicine in its own right, depending on how you use it. --from now on, if Fania and Fuzzyards work together, we can prove it to the entire continent.

The lord looks up at the dark clouds that cover the sky, while expressing his thoughts on the 'Demon Poison'.

Master agrees with that, while also looking at the dark sky as well.

''That's right ....... The world isn't all bad. There are also good things. Even if it's not possible now, someday--

'Someday, we'll clear all the clouds in the sky. I want to see that 'blue sky' you mentioned, too.

Yes, 'Blue Sky' is beautiful. Please look forward to it.

They make a promise.

The figure reminded me of the 'Stealers of Reason' of twenty-five days ago.

Is that why?

Right now, I feel as if the lord has made the same amount of connections with us as the 'things that steal reason' and others - suddenly, a sentence comes to my mind.

”--that promise will not be fulfilled. At the end of the day, Helmina (・・・・) and Neysha (・・・・) did not reach the 'blue sky'. She continues to be gripped by the vindictive voices of the dead under the bright red 'blood sky' --

As soon as I saw the very desperate ending, I remembered the lord's name.

''Eh--''

I knew that was the power of my skill 'reading'. I suppose I could read the future of doom from her purity and instability.

But even if I knew how Helmina Neysha would end up, there was nothing I could do about it. I've just decided to abandon the 'Stealers of Reason' and focus on the 'Gentiles'. So I had no choice but to say goodbye, along with a bit of guilt.

''--So, then, Helmina-san!　See you later!

When Helmina calls my name for the first time, she replies, looking very impressed.

''Yes, Lady Tiara!　I'll see you soon!

'Tiara ....... I thought you forgot Helmina's name again, but you remembered it right: ......

Hearing that farewell greeting, Master stepped over Al-Auna, who was waiting nearby, while letting out a slightly relieved voice. Besides, I followed on the back of the other one with the leaping power I gained from the 《Level Up》.

''Ssshhh!　I never once forgot my lord's name!

No, that's not true.

Helmina giggles as we joke around with each other. Then, as with Tida and Arti, she waves to us, finding bright hope in the future.

'Come again, Kanami, please come back. Fania will always be waiting for you.

'Yes ....... I'll be back!

With that, my master and I let Al'auna run.

As we had heard rumors, the Fania-specific Al'auna was a very good riding animal. It didn't require any skill and even a child could control it with ease. Surely, these two animals were probably the most talented of all the Fania.

Helmina-san and her attendant saw me off and ran through the streets.

The streets of Fania were a little darker than we had come with Arti's departure. The lords have managed to keep the fire going, but if you compare it to the lights of the 'Flame God's Stone', it's inevitably inferior to the lights of the 'Flame God's Stone'.

However, I can be sure now that it is not 'abnormal' but 'normal'.

The light that was made up of a single girl as a 'price' is not normal. That's why this slightly darker cityscape looked much brighter to me than it did before. I wasn't Tida, but I felt dazzled, not by sight, but by spirit (mind).

I walked through the streets of Fania and reached the gate.

There was a gathering of lords who had been cured by their master after he ”leveled up”. We say goodbye to them as we walk out of the wall.

Spreading out beyond the gate was a huge dark cloud that seemed to close the lid on the endless plains.

Perhaps it was because I had become accustomed to living with the lights in Fania, but the darkness was even more pronounced. However, while running across that plain, Master ruminates on Helmina-san's story earlier while touching the 'demonic poison' in the air.

'Not poison, or ......'

...... All along we've been calling it 'demonic poison', is that what you think Master?

'Yeah. Honestly, I've never been sick, because I've been saved by 'demon poison' all the time: ......

Come to think of it, it is.

A different word seems to come to mind for the master, who has no real sense of poison.

''Then, would you like to change the wording?　Just go with the flow.

I try to continue with the bright topic and encourage him to coin a word.

Upon hearing this, my master lightly widens his eyes and then goes on to make a slightly anxious suggestion.

''Well, ......, I'm thinking of calling it 'magic power' instead of 'demon poison'. What do you think, Tiara?

Shut up!　Heh, magic power. Nice!　Honestly, 'demonic poison' to us is already treated as an emergency power (energy)!

I had been bracing myself for more weird coined words, but I was relieved to see that the words were translated more maturely than I expected.

Rather, this seems to be a quote from another world, rather than one made by my master. I've recently come to understand my master's tendency to choose words, so I can judge that much.

''Good, ....... Even for people over here, 'magic power' is an uncomfortable word, isn't it? Then let's just go with it. No, this was the only way to start. This world is filled with 'magic power' ......!　It's not 'evil poison'!

As Master ran, he bathed his entire body in his 'magic power'.

I can feel that Master, who had a lot of self-deprecation in Fania, is now back in his element.

''Oh. You're getting knocked up, Master!

I rejoice in that, and we continue on our way back to Hoosiers.

Along the way, we spared no time in our travels and dabbled in the development of 'spellcraft'.

Although we are restrained so that Al-Auna won't be frightened, our master smiles as he fabricates the 'magic power' in the air.

''Magic Power'' ....... So now I'm dealing with 'magic power' ....... Hmph, hmph--

He looked strangely happy.

I could tell that the word was special to my master.

Imitating that master, I also felt 'Demon Poison' modified 'Magic Power' with my whole body.

Only to feel a sudden chill due to Al-Auna's speed, and I hurriedly held my nose.

''Heck, heck!''

...... tiara. Are you cold, by any chance?

My master hears me sneeze and fears for me.

The temperature isn't that low, so he's worried about some kind of illness.

''Hmm, it's kind of cold-like. I've never had this kind of thing since I received my master's 《level up》. ...... I've had a strange chill lately. ......

'Sure, Tiara had a darker than normal 'level up' but just because she's ...... doesn't mean she's sick-free. Take care of your body.

I love you!　...... Oh, yes. Show me your book, Helmina, and show me your book. I heard you were also a doctor, so maybe you write about the common cold.

I wasn't too interested in my condition, so I successfully fluffed up the book my mentor had.

'No, isn't it strange to write ...... about such things?　But tiara. Can you read it while you're running your horse?

I'm proud to say that I'm still the best at reading. I'm the best at reading while I'm at it!　I mean, I'm already getting used to running Al-Auna (this guy)!　This guy is really easy!　We'll definitely import it to Hoosiers!

Are you used to it?　Ha, you're early, Tiara ....... No, I know I'm a very smart horse, too, but ......

I successfully maneuvered Al'auna as declared and approached my master.

In a short amount of time, I had been able to master the controls completely. Having seen this solid manipulation, my master takes me at my word and hands me Helmina's book.

I get my favorite book, get a little buoyant, and push Master to do his chores.

'Thank you, Master!　Well, I'm reading it while I run, so I'm asking you to be vigilant about your surroundings, Master.

'Yes, yes, yes, yes. This was bound to happen all along: ......

The division of roles is nicely defined.

While moving, the master would search for the enemy and I would proceed with the research.

There was no doubt that this was ideal if we didn't waste time.

Leaving the lead to my mentor, and relying on Al'auna to even follow him, I drop my gaze to the book in my hand. The thickness of the book was no less than that of the Master's book I had read before, and flipping through it with one hand was a bit of a challenge.

With my other hand holding the reins, I proceed to read the book.

''Hmmm. ....... This is Helmina's book: ......

We will follow its contents, one by one.

First of all, on the first page, it was written about 'Majin'

--'Majin' refers to humans with monster characteristics on their bodies.

The people of the continent began to discriminate against and ostracize these 'witchdoctors' simply because they were different from them. This is also the main reason why there is still constant warfare while the disease is spreading across the continent.

At first, Fania was researching the ”Fiendish Cure” in order to suppress that discriminatory mindset.

There is a record of somehow finding out the cause of the creation of 'demons' and trying to suppress it.

At that time, Helmina had discovered that the cause of the birth of the Fiends was the Devil's Poison. At the same time, she also discovered that the world itself had reached its limits and that it had a will.

He is a self-proclaimed genius.

And it seems that Romis Neesha had intervened from this area.

The results of his research on the ”Flame God” and the ”Dark God,” which were the upperclassmen of the ”Majin,” began to appear in a row of books.

At first, just like the ”Majin”, this one seems to have been aimed at suppressing the ”Power of Fire” and ”Power of Darkness”, but the ”Curse” threw off the direction of the research.

In particular, the record of repeated attempts to recreate the 'fire power' and 'deal with the world' was horrific even if you only read it in writing. The sacrifices made by the 'demons' who were not treated as human beings were more horrible than death.

During this experiment, Helmina realized the importance of blood.

Many habits were recorded in the book, such as the fact that the 'demon poison' travels through the blood and that a lot of information is contained in the blood.

The reason for the discovery was that the blood that flowed from the corpse of the ”demon” that had been repeatedly experimented on seemed to have caused supernatural phenomena on its own.

And Ms. Helmina tentatively called it the ”power of blood” and began to study it intensively.

While blood has power, it does not have the will of man or the will of the world, and it seemed to be easy to process and manipulate - easily, Helmina was able to use the power of blood to cause phenomena similar to miracles.

Helmina drew out the blood of 'demons' and 'fire gods' and trapped them in the ore to add to the livelihood of the lords. That was the red-black lines drawn on the buildings and the 'Flame God's Stone'.

''Hmm, 'Blood Power' huh? ......''

From what I've read, The Power of Blood feels like it's for people who are not special.

With this, I might be able to use the same foul power as my masters.

Of course, there would have to be a lot of sacrifices to 'pay for it': .......

'Oops.'

As I flipped through more pages, I found a plan for a study.

It was written in large letters, ”The Five Step Thousand Year Plan.

I thought it described the future of the Blood Power, so I focused on reading that page.

As it was called the Five Stages, the plan was divided into five major phases.

--The first stage was the 'Altofel Teaching' plan.

The content of the plan was to make people pay a little bit of 'price' by using 'trading with the world' - Helmina-san seemed to have named it 'Altofelism' as it was. Her sense of naming is closer to mine than my master's, and I feel a little more at ease.

It's a plan that was the source of Romis' power.

He would reuse the religion that existed in the past to prepare a god that would become an idol and gather the generated power in one place as a 'price' for having him pray to it.

In addition, Romis had the flame god in his hands, playing the role of that god, and had the enormous 'power of fire' at his mercy.

At the end of the column, it was written, ''Complete in one year.''

--The second stage was the 'Magic Stone' plan.

The content of the plan is to put the blood of a 'demon' into a special ore in Fania to mass produce 'magic stones' that will cause supernatural phenomena.

This is also easy to understand. The end result of this would be the 'Flame God's Stone' with Arti's blood in it. Like the Altfel cult, it is written that this is also 'completed in one year'

--The third step is the 'Magic Stone Line' project.

The content of this plan is to draw a line through the mass-produced ”magic stones” like a line to transport the ”demon poison”.

According to the documents, this line had already been drawn across Fania.

Was it because of this that the ”Magic Poison” was gathering in Lomis' body without stagnation? I'm a little unsure, but I have a feeling that the red-black lines used in the building of the 'First Demonology Research Institute' were also included in this. Also, the locks that only Helmina was able to solve?

Unlike the above two, this one was marked as ”ten years in the future” and was treated as incomplete.

It seems that the final objective of this 'magic stone line' was to have all of the territory's 'demonic poisons' sucked into the huge ore called the earth.

-- The fourth stage was the 'Magic Stone Man' plan.

The content of the plan was to artificially create ”demon humans” that could safely purify the ”demon poison”.

As supplementary material, it depicted a large number of corpses of ”Majinin”. It said that the organs of the dead were reactivated with the power of blood, and the blood vessels were replaced with magical stone wires to create a pseudo-life activity. Apparently, after much trial and error, they came to the conclusion that the most efficient way to do this was to create them from scratch.

It said 'one hundred years planned', a date that lightly exceeded Helmina's lifespan. From that, it was clear that she was not keen on the 'Demon Stone Man'.

This plan would be scrapped now. It was decided in Fania that she would tolerate the risk and convert the 'Demon Poison' with 《Level Up》