We parted so abruptly that I forgot to give him my contact information. But then again, it’s Glen-san we’re talking about here, so even without that, he’ll probably just pop up one day and say, ‘I ran around on instinct and somehow found you!’ Wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
So I decided not to worry about it and just made my way to the church in the nearest town. I made a small donation, then entered the chapel and prayed.
“Good work out there!” [Kufo]
“Thank you, but what happened to the others?” [Ryouma]
In the next moment, I was summoned to the divine realm, but only five gods were present. It was Kufo, Gayn, Rurutia, Fernoberia-sama and Meltrize-sama.
“They went off to do their own work. They need to confirm if there are other fragments of the demon king, and there are other administrative tasks that need to be carried out too.” [Rurutia]
“As for us, we’ve gathered here today to discuss your reward. Also, it’s been a while, so we need to treat your curse again. There’s no need to rush, though. You just came back, so why don’t you take a seat first and rest some?” [Kufo]
The management of the world, huh. The scale is so big it’s hard to wrap my head around. I guess even the routine tasks must keep them quite busy.
The usual table and tea appear before me, engendering a peaceful scene, so it’s rather hard to believe that they’re actually that hectic, though.
“Thank you. I managed to come back safely, but I felt like I should still drop by to give a report.” [Ryouma]
“You didn’t have to, actually. We were watching the whole time, so we know the situation already. You definitely completed the job. We have no complaints on our end. Right, Meltrize?” [Gayn]
“I can confirm that the souls have been properly released. So long as that monster, Cormi, doesn’t use that power again, there’s no need to kill him.” [Meltrize]
“That’s great!” [Ryouma]
Though I did think it would turn out fine, it was still great to have it confirmed that there would indeed be no problems.
“You needn’t worry. That child, too, is one of the lives that we gods are meant to watch over. I am the goddess of death and sleep… In a word, a ‘shinigami,’ but my role is not to ‘bring death to the living,’ but to watch over those nearing death, to protect their peaceful rest afterward, and to prepare them for rebirth when the time comes… I too would much rather not take life needlessly. Of course, we’ll have to revisit this matter if he ever starts using that power to bind souls again. In such a case, I will have no choice but to request an ‘extermination.’” [Meltrize]
“I better remind him not to use that power then.” [Ryouma]
When I said that, Meltrize nodded with satisfaction emotionlessly.
“For the record, his other powers are fine. It’s the power to bind souls that he needs to seal.” [Meltrize]
“So, the Necromancy skill is safe? Won’t spells related to the undead interfere with the soul?” [Ryouma]
“They’re generally forbidden, but we don’t step in to interfere with all such spells.” [Meltrize]
The response was a bit vague, so I couldn’t help but glance at the others.
At that moment, Fernoberia-sama spoke up.
“Since time is limited, I’ll keep this brief: the soul is composed of multiple layers. How many layers there are, or how they’re divided, depends on how one perceives the concept of the soul. But for now, let’s think of it as a two-layer structure, an ‘outer layer’ and an ‘inner layer.’ The interference we consider forbidden is directed at the ‘inner layer.’ What Meltrize meant to say is that necromancy, as it’s called, only interferes with the outer layer, so it falls within the acceptable bounds.” [Fernoberia]
That makes sense. However, is the boundary between the outer and inner layers something that can be distinctly recognized?
It seems that Cormi had been unconsciously using the power to bind souls…
“That monster is a rare exception. To interfere with the inner layers of the soul is not a feat so easily reproduced. That’s why misguided necromancers refer to it as ‘the essence’ or ‘the ultimate secret’ and stubbornly try to meddle with it… It’s not a feat that you can just do accidentally normally. So, there’s no need to worry about it.” [Fernoberia]
“The most common example of necromancy is turning corpses into undead, but by the time a living being dies, most of the soul—the most crucial and inviolable inner layer—has already returned to us.
Humans may have feelings of revulsion or other concerns surrounding necromancy, but from our perspective, it’s acceptable.” [Rurutia]
“The soul is delicate and vulnerable. The outer layer is there to protect the inner layer. And much like muscles, they can take some damage and recover.” [Kufo]
Personally, I think that reminds me more of slimes than muscles.
“Being able to understand that much is plenty. Oh, but for the record, it’s another story if someone were to commit cruel acts against the living under the pretense of studying necromancy. That’s an entirely different issue.” [Gayn]
There was something off about Gayn when he said, as though he were giving a light warning. Perhaps it was because it was related to souls, but even though he said it was acceptable to dabble in necromancy, it felt like it wasn’t really something he wanted to see, as though he were worried about something.
As I looked on with suspicion, I noticed that it wasn’t just Gayn. The other gods too seemed a bit off. Their expressions—or rather, the atmosphere around them—felt tense.
“Are you sure it’s okay to dabble in necromancy?” [Ryouma]
“…Ryouma, you really do have a knack for sensing certain things, don’t you? There’s definitely nothing wrong with necromancy itself. We just can’t help ourselves but think of a certain transmigrator that once abused necromancy .” [Kufo]
“Don’t worry. You haven’t done anything wrong, so there’s no need for you to hold back.” [Meltrize]
“If the two of you say that much, won’t he be even more curious?” [Rurutia]
“That’s good and all, but we still need to treat him.” [Gayn]
“Indeed. While it’s good to learn from the poor example of others, we need to discuss your reward and deal with your treatment. So, let’s put off that discussion for another day. Ryouma, accept this.” [Fernoberia]
To dispel the awkward atmosphere, Fernoberia-sama suddenly extended his right hand, revealing a book. At a glance, it was luxuriously covered in leather, and it was beautifully engraved in gold too. The book was beautiful no doubt, but at the same time, it exuded an ancient aura. It was titled, ‘Creation of the World.’
I had previously received a cup from Tekun, but could this be another divine artifact?
“Exactly. This is a divine artifact that I created. It serves the same function as the chapels in the churches.” [Fernoberia]
“So with this book, I’ll be able to offer a prayer and come here anytime?” [Ryouma]
“Exactly. You won’t be able to appear before others so easily due to your curse, but with this, you should be able to drop by without needing to visit the church.” [Fernoberia]
“Thank you! That’s such a huge help!” [Ryouma]
What a convenient sacred treasure. With it, any worries I had about my treatment have completely vanished.
“Since you’re willing to cooperate with us to remove the miasma around you, I figured it would be more convenient for us to make communication easier and remove any needless delays.” [Fernoberia]
“In that case, you should’ve given him a tool for communication instead of a book. I believe there’s something like that on Earth. You know, that thin rectangular thing.” [Meltrize]
As Meltrize-sama murmured to herself, a pager appeared in her hand. It appeared quite big due to the smallness of her hand.
“That sure brings back memories.” [Ryouma]
Meltrize-sama looked at me with a curious expression as I found myself saying that.
“Is this old?” [Meltrize]
“By human standards, yes. By the time I died, most of the world has already been taken over by smart phones. I’m not quite sure if children then even knew about pagers.” [Ryouma]
“Meltrize is generally uninterested in matters surrounding Earth. She is fond of sleeping too, so her knowledge on the subject has remained unchanged.” [Kufo]
“It’s certainly a struggle to wake.” [Meltrize]
“Nowadays, they use this.” [Gayn]
In Gayn’s hands was a smartphone that I had never seen before. It was probably the latest model released after my death.
Wait, why does Gayn even have a smartphone?
Moreover, his fingers were moving at the speed of a high school girl as he explained it to Meltrize-sama.
“Not only did he recreate it perfectly, he’s using it skillfully too…” [Ryouma]
“I’ve been traveling there occasionally, so I’ve more or less learned how to use them. But I digress, the reason the communication tool was made to be in the form of a book is to disguise it. The “Creation of the World” is a scripture of the Creation Church.
Anyone in possession of it would merely appear as a devout believer.
You see, there are many people, especially those in power, who desire something simply because it’s “rare” regardless of whether they understand its purpose or not.
Were it shaped like a pager or a smartphone, it would no doubt be a magnet for trouble.
That’s also why we took care not to make it look too expensive.” [Gayn]
“Thank you for being considerate.” [Ryouma]
I generally prefer not to stand out, but a divine artifact would no doubt make attention even more of a problem, so I’m glad they took care in that regard for me.
“For the record, this book cannot contact us unconditionally. It consumes 500,000 mana per use. It also has a built-in ability to store mana, so make sure to replenish it with any excess mana regularly. Aside from contacting us, you can also draw on the stored magic power when needed. It won’t get dirty or damaged.” [Fernoberia]
So in other words, not only is it a portable church, it’s also a mana tank!
“Thank you so much!” [Ryouma]
“A good reward for a good job. The incident this time is partly my fault, so I’m being a bit more generous too. Also. You’ve successfully retrieved your inheritance now, right?” [Fernoberia]
“Yes, though I’ve only just retrieved.” [Ryouma]
w
“I recommend at least familiarizing yourself with the titles of the items left behind in the inheritance, especially the books left by your grandmother. There may be knowledge within that could prove useful to you in the future. Sage Melia was someone even I held in high regard.” [Fernoberia]
“I understand.” [Ryouma]
If the god of magic and knowledge is saying that, then its value must truly be immeasurable. I suppose I’ll have to prioritize it.
“Are you done?” [Meltrize]
At this moment, Meltrize-sama, who had been receiving an explanation about smartphones from Gain and the others, returned.
“Yes, I got a really good reward.” [Ryouma]
“Glad you like it. If you’re done receiving your reward, let’s begin your treatment.” [Meltrize]
“I’m sorry to keep you so busy right after returning from the forest, but I’d like to get this done while we still have some flexibility with our time here.” [Kufo]
“It’s fine. You gave me this awesome book this time too. We can be more leisurely next time.” [Ryouma]
From the gods’ perspective, my curse might be due to their own mistakes. But to me, it feels more like an unfortunate accident, and I’m just grateful that they’re willing to do something about it.
I relay this to Kufo, who had shown concern, and proceeded with the treatment.
All I had to do was to lie down on the platform and leave the rest to them.
Soon, my consciousness faded, and a floating sensation fill me throughout.
I wonder if this is what full-body anesthesia feels like…
…
“Woah!?” [Ryouma]
“Ah, you’re awake.” [Kufo]
“Does anything feel out of place?” [Rurutia]
My consciousness returns with a sudden jolt, like the sensation of falling during a nap, and I see Kufo and Rurutia’s faces come into view. A moment later, I finally got my wits about me.
“Hmm… There’s nothing in particular. My head is just a bit heavy. It feels similar to when I’ve overslept.” [Ryouma]
“That’s fine then. The treatment this time went perfectly, so the heaviness you feel should go away in time.” [Rurutia]
“It was a long journey, and even though your living environment has been arranged, you must have been tired. You slept for quite a while, so you’ll have to head back soon.” [Kufo]
“I see. Thank you for the treatment. Next time, I’ll use the book to drop by. How’s next week?” [Ryouma]
“There’s no need to set a schedule. We can accommodate you anytime. So, rather than us, prioritize the people waiting for you. Just drop by when you can.” [Gayn]
Just as Gayn said that, Meltrize-sama stepped forward.
“A word of advice. You should study up on curses.” [Meltrize]
“Huh?” [Ryouma]
“You were trying to establish a base in the forest to fulfill Cormi’s wishes, right? While that is certainly one way to go about it, it’s not the only option. It’s also possible to create opportunities for Cormi to interact with humans in the towns outside through magic.” [Meltrize]
“Really!?” [Ryouma]
That was a bit of a bolt out of the blue, so I was a bit confused, but it was no doubt invaluable.
“You have all the information you need. If you construct the spell with that, it should be possible to allow him to interact with people. It might not be as effective, but that ultimately depends on you.” [Fernoberia]
As the god of magic himself agreed, the surroundings began to glow.
“Just had to run out of time at a good point, huh.” [Ryouma]
“It’s actually good timing. Take this opportunity to think about it some more.” [Fernoberia]
“If even a part of Cormi’s wishes can be fulfilled, it will reduce the likelihood of him reaching out to the souls of the deceased again.” [Meltrize]
“Not just Fernoberia, but even Meltrize. Sheesh.” [Kufo]
“For the record, they are cheering you on. They just talk like that.” [Rurutia]
“Anyway, just take your time and do your best without rushing.” [Gayn]
Fernoberia spoke like a teacher, while Meltrize spoke in a businesslike manner. Kufo and the others followed up for them, then the light began to swallow me.
Welp, looks like the number of things I have to study up on has increased again.
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