“The true White God, a companion of the Dark Gods, the real righteous teaching—how about we call it the ‘Pandora Holy Teachings’?”
“‘Pandora Holy Teachings…'”
It doesn’t matter if it’s called the New Cross Religion or the Ark Holy Teachings; the name itself is irrelevant. After all, it’s a fabricated, godless fake religion.
“However, I believe that even if such teachings were spoken of, no one would believe in them.”
“That’s true. Even with real blessings, there are many minor gods that no one knows about.”
Although I don’t see gods in everything in the way of the eight million deities, Pandora has quite a few local gods that are only known in specific areas, in addition to the major Dark Gods. And indeed, blessings tend to manifest only locally.
In other words, just because something is real doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be widely worshipped. Especially if it isn’t real at all…
“If we’re going to create a large sect capable of splitting the Cross Religion in two, we need to have a lot of followers. The logic of the Pandora Holy Teaching would be treated no differently than when a excommunicated priest declares that the Cross Religion’s teachings are wrong.”
“Ah, I see there are indeed those types as well.”
Sinclair is a large country, and the Cross Religion is an even more massive religious organization. The factional struggles must be fierce. As far as Sariel knows, even during the Crusaders’ Pandora Expedition, Cardinal Arus and Cardinal Mercedes were clashing behind the scenes.
There are plenty of individuals who would be called winners, capable of sucking the sweet nectar from the Cross Religion that controls Sinclair and dominates half of the Ark Continent, and their power must be astounding.
However, on the flip side, there must also be many who become losers. Such people could even end up excommunicated as a result of factional struggles.
Of course, some of them may have committed heinous sins, like touching children, but right now, I don’t care about those criminals.
“There are losers in Sinclair. At least three large countries have already perished, as far as I know.”
“Dragnov, Barbatos, Ivrham… absorbing the second-class gods.”
“And now, the Pandora Continent is also beginning to overflow with losers. After all, our Empire Army has been achieving victory after victory. We’ve already killed three Apostles.”
“Crusader captives, huh…”
“This Freedom Academy is large, but there’s a limit to the number of people we can accommodate. Most of those from Reberia have already been killed, but there are still quite a few numbers descending.”
As the Crusaders advance, the number of captives increases.
Many enemies inevitably turn to ash and dust under our formidable firepower, led by the Sky Battleship, Fiona, and the Black Dragon… But those who have survived by chance and surrendered peacefully are not being killed indiscriminately. For now, the Empire Army acknowledges the surrenders from the Crusaders.
The only time we decimated everything without mercy was when we reclaimed Fahren.
This ever-growing number of captives poses a problem as the war escalates. We must feed a great many individuals who might turn against us and raise their banners at the slightest provocation.
It’s a pipe dream to think we should just kill them all.
“Even among the Cross Faithful, the depth of their belief varies from person to person. Even among nobles, self-interest tends to come before divine teachings. Why is that?”
“…For many, the blessings of the gods do not translate directly into worldly benefits.”
“That’s right. The blessings of the White God are powerful enough to break the laws of the world—but still, they can’t provide power or benefits to everyone. The current White God lacks the power to build a paradise in this world.”
A peaceful land of the gods where all necessities are fulfilled. Legends say it was the paradise of the White God in the age of the gods.
If one were living in such a dreamlike paradise where the gods guarantee all aspects of life and happiness, no one would want to lose it. Since the gods would provide all that is necessary to live in this world, there would be no need for additional benefits.
But Sinclair is an ordinary feudal state governed by nobles.
Nobles and commoners. The wealthy and the poor. And races. All manner of disparities exist universally; it is truly a human country, not a paradise where everything is fulfilled by the gods.
“For those who gain nothing from the Cross Religion, who feel deprived and think they are in an unfortunate situation, the Pandora Holy Teachings become worth believing in.”
It convinces them that believing in the Pandora Holy Teachings brings them salvation and tangible benefits they can obtain right in front of them, more so than the Cross Religion.
“Blame it all on the Cross Religion for being unfortunate and poor. It’s because the evil teachings of a false god are spreading that we are forced to live such a miserable life—therefore, we must fight and bring it down. It’s the battle to reclaim the right teachings, true freedom and equality. You understand, right? It’s your beloved holy war.”
“That sounds almost like something a heretic would say…”
“Heretics? That’s perfectly fine. The Pandora Holy Teachings should lend equal power to any and all forces that oppose the Cross Religion. It doesn’t matter what god anyone believes in; they are all companions of the Dark Gods. As long as it’s not the White God, that’s sufficient.”
Any reasoning that can be spewed is ultimately irrelevant.
What’s important is how to gather and nurture those who harbor dissatisfaction with the Cross Religion—rebels and resistance forces—and raise them into a substantial opposing faction.
“I’ll provide as much support as I can. If it means saving the lives of the people of Pandora, a little expenditure doesn’t hurt.”
No troops will be dispatched. But money will be given. This is merely a tactic to keep the Cross Religion in check without more sacrifices.
If all goes well, it’ll be a windfall. If it fails… it’s Sinclair’s people that will die.
I am the Demon King of Pandora and the Emperor of the Elroad Empire. Thus, I do not treat all humans equally. My priority is the subjects of the Empire and the people of Pandora.
While I may hesitate to make such selections, there is no doubt in my mind.
“Rudel, you’ll be raised as the founder of the Pandora Holy Teachings, prayed to for a false god that doesn’t exist, and you will bring true freedom and equality to Sinclair and the Ark Continent.”
“…Are you aware that the Aria Monastery was distributing food?”
“Ah, it’s probably part of their charitable activities. The Pandora Temple wouldn’t differ in handing out aid to the poor.”
I’m not going to interrupt the conversation suddenly.
Right now, there is a light in Rudel’s eyes. It is the light of a strong will filled with determination.
“When they told me that this soup is only for human children smaller than I am… I can’t forget the expressions on those kids’ faces even now.”
It’s a terrible story. A personal account that so succinctly embodies the ideology of human supremacy and discrimination.
But perhaps it is because Rudel felt doubt, discomfort, and an indescribable aversion to this experience that he was able to betray the gods.
Whether good or bad, those days spent in the once peaceful Avalon are the foundation of that.
Rudel, how did the city where humans and demon races live together appear in your eyes? Just how different were their figures from the holy capital, Elsion, where only humans dwell?
“If I can give soup to every child without discrimination—then I will become the founder.”
—
“How ridiculous! A religion without gods isn’t even a religion!!”
“Is that so? I thought it was quite a good idea.”
In the interrogation room where Chrono and Rudel were talking, on the other side of the wall, Lily and Archbishop Lucrom were present.
Lucrom, who was captured by Captain Christina of the Dragon Knights during the Battle of Reberia, is the first real high-ranking Crusader captured by the Empire Army.
Though Sariel, the Seventh Apostle and Commander-in-Chief, is an exception… Lucrom is a trustworthy archbishop considered the right-hand man of the current Commander-in-Chief, Cardinal Arus. Unlike Sariel, who was merely a useful pawn, Lucrom has deeply engaged in the intrigue within the Cross Religion under Arus.
In other words, he is seen as an important source of information holding secrets about the Cross Religion.
Now, like Rudel, he is firmly bound to a chair, yet his eyes and ears are neither blocked nor mouth sealed. The mechanisms in the room allow him to see and hear everything happening in the interrogation room.
Lucrom was overhearing all of Chrono’s discussions about the Pandora Holy Teachings.
“Even without gods, if one believes, then there will be gods. Isn’t it amusing? Humans in a world without gods are seriously clinging to such nonsense.”
“That is the logic of a foreign world. There’s no way such blasphemy could hold in our realm!”
Even Lily, who receives the blessing of the fairy goddess, and Lucrom, who is a devoted believer of the Cross Religion, can’t truly understand the nature of the religious ideas Chrono speaks of. They have no desire to.
Yet even though the worlds are different, it is human thought. There must indeed be a solid theory and allure that captivates many people.
Lily acknowledges this, while Lucrom harbors a strong sense of disgust.
Although he has been subjected to light interrogations since being captured, this is the first time he has raised his voice so angrily.
“You know, it’s quite rare for a pure believer like you to reveal such anger… It seems this really has some effect.”
“Not only denying the White God, but also attempting to slander their name. Even among the three kingdoms destroyed by Sinclair in the past, such blasphemous words were not spoken.”
“Oh, perhaps this shows the Demon King’s true colors?”
How delightful, as she speaks with a smile, Lily, in front of Lucrom, slowly calms her anger through effort.
“Could it be that sharing such tales is a form of torture for me?”
“No, just like that child, I came to present you with two choices.”
“I have no intention of agreeing to any deal. If you plan to execute me, then carry it out swiftly.”
“How noble of you. My younger brother was crying out more helplessly. Isn’t that cool, big brother?”
In an instant, Lucrom’s mind conjures the image of the head of the Twelfth Apostle Mariabel on display at the main gate of Avalon.
The Archbishop Lucrom and the Apostle Mariabel are two brothers known for their good relationship, and this is well-known to have been a significant power for Arus’s camp.
Unintentionally, Lucrom clenches his teeth at the childish insults hurled at him.
“Ah, it seems my heart has swayed a little. If you wish to block telepathy, you must first keep your emotions calm. You have secrets you want to protect, don’t you? Come on, keep it together.”
“That’s nonsense. My brother and I will just be called to the god’s side equally upon death… Mocking the moment of someone’s death is a fittingly barbaric trait of demon races.”
“I’m sorry, but you’re really stubborn. I just wanted to be a little mischievous. Mariabel had a good death. In the end, she was held in the chest of the longed-for Sariel. It must have felt like true angels came to take her away. How wonderful.”
“I will not lend an ear to the words of a demon… My heart shall not waver…”
“Well, that was a purely good-hearted intention.”
Lucrom tightly shut his eyes, trying to avoid looking at the pouting expression of Lily.
As expected of a true archbishop, Lucrom’s mind is fortified with a very high-level spiritual defense. He is the caster of his own spells. It is purely the result of his capability.
If one were to forcefully pry open the mind of such an individual through telepathy, it might result in self-destruction at worst. Of course, it’s impossible for Lily to inflict damage through the spirit on someone who has only trained, but it would also be troublesome if they destroyed their own memories along with the information we’d like to know.
This is why they refrained from excessive brainwashing and limited themselves to light interrogations…
“Well, it seems the discussion has been concluded.”
“What a foolish choice… To have a blasphemer such as this is unprecedented.”
With a firm resolve hidden, Rudel has received genuine admiration from Lily, while Lucrom directed his contempt towards the worst traitor.
“Now, it’s your turn to choose.”
“I will not associate with a ridiculous plan such as the Pandora Holy Teachings, even if it costs me my life.”
He must have grasped the flow of the conversation.
If indeed Rudel was sent to spread the fabricated heretical cult of the Pandora Holy Teachings to Sinclair, having Lucrom as a collaborator would be a significant boon.
However, even if his freedom could be assured, he himself cannot allow such actions. He cannot forgive them.
“No, you will certainly cooperate. Your choice is simply whether or not you will become a follower of the Pandora Holy Teachings of your own volition.”
“Killing me will not erase my faith.”
“That’s right, then let’s test it—‘from now on you will become a student at the Freedom Academy. When you become a ‘good child’ who believes in the true teachings, we shall meet again.’”
—
Since I happened to visit the Freedom Academy, I decided to inspect the place while leaving the interrogation room with Lily.
This Freedom Academy has been operational for some time. Graduates who have been fully brainwashed have already stepped outside, and during the Battle of Reberia, they fought as the main force of the infantry brigade led by Harold.
By now, the method to completely brainwash people has been established, contributing smoothly to the “rehabilitation” of criminals and Crusader captives.
That’s what I’ve heard, but…
“…It’s kind of scary.”
“Yes, everyone is such good children.”
When I and Lily made our appearance before the students, the level of enthusiasm was akin to that when a foreign superstar visits, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Even just a standard greeting brought tears flowing from some in overwhelming emotion, causing them to faint. I thought I was accustomed to being revered as a Demon King, but… seeing such reactions when deified was indeed shocking.
On the other hand, Lily waved at them contentedly, her expression radiating maternal love.
“I suppose we’ll have to stop the brainwashing at some point.”
“That seems like a discussion for quite a while from now.”
Now, as if taking a breather, we were having tea time in what could at least be called the so-called monitoring room of the Freedom Academy.
Located on the top floor, we have a commanding view of the courtyard. If one wishes, it can project surveillance footage from any part of the Academy in real-time.
Overlooking the wide courtyard where individuals play innocently like elementary school students during recess, one can see classrooms engaging in serious brainwashing lessons, or individuals expressing genuine fulfillment while working on mining tasks on the Fourth Layer.
Seeing the overtly wholesome environment of the academy brings home the frightening power of brainwashing.
“Rudel was a good child, wasn’t he?”
“Indeed… It’s surprising he could be propped up so well by the Aria Monastery.”
“There might be those in Sinclair who harbor doubts about the Cross Religion.”
“That would be a good thing.”
Lily seemed to be convinced that Rudel would inevitably accept becoming the founder of the Pandora Holy Teachings.
It seemed she intended to be the one to propose it, but since I was the one who expressed it first, I need to see with my own eyes the person who will be elevated to the status of founder.
“What about Lucrom?”
“Just as expected. I’ll take my time to brainwash him.”
“He’s supposed to be quite a capable caster, right? Will it go smoothly?”
“We still have plenty of time. Even if we fail, it won’t harm us at all.”
“That’s also true.”
As long as we can extract the top-secret information of the Crusaders from Lucrom, that’s all that matters. Hostage diplomacy doesn’t work against the Crusaders. Whether one is a distinguished priest or a noble, there’s no point in treating them with respect in their case.
But that doesn’t mean we’re just going to kill them carelessly.
“I think it’s a good idea.”
“Thanks. It gives me confidence to hear you say that, Lily.”
“One way or another, we had to deal with the burgeoning captives. And after the war, we’ll need to wipe out the hidden Cross Faithful, so the number of those to be disposed of will only increase.”
She looks as if she’s saying they’ve found a perfect dumping ground for trash.
But in reality, it is just as she said. For the sake of Pandora’s peace, we must rid ourselves of the seeds of the Cross Religion as much as possible.
And those who are cast aside will become the vanguard against the Cross Religion on the Ark Continent. What an eco-friendly method of recycling. Should I aim for a Nobel Prize?
“And besides, there may be some who genuinely wish to go that way.”
“That’s especially true for Crusader soldiers, as I imagine many would want to return.”
“Haven’t you heard about Reki and Ursula from Fiona yet?”
“…I’ve heard the story.”
Apparently, it’s true that Ursula is the real princess from the Ivrham royal family.
And Reki also belongs to the same clan as King Beowulf and has the right to claim the throne.
Though I had heard that Fiona had taught them various things to awaken their blessings, I never expected it to develop to that extent. For me, they still carry the strong image of orphans from the time we first met.
“If they truly wish to reclaim their homeland and save their kin, then I will provide all possible assistance.”
“That’s terrible. If you say that, then the girls will really lose their chance at love.”
“I have no intention of increasing my fiancées any further…”
Of course, I care for both Reki and Ursula. However, whether I should take either of them, or both… even as a Demon King, there has to be a limit.
“Well, that’s a discussion for a while from now.”
“Right. Both of them are excellent aces of the First Assault Brigade. I want them to do well until this battle is over.”
As I told Rudel, I find it hard to think too far ahead into the aftermath of this fight.
Having won the Battle of Reberia, we are finally on the verge of beginning to eradicate the Crusaders from Pandora. However, we cannot afford to let our guard down.
The Eighth Apostle Ai is a seasoned veteran who has long remained an Apostle. And above all, within Sinclair, there are higher-ranking individuals even from the Second Apostle on up.
In the worst-case scenario, we must also prepare for the possibility of them showing up.
“By the way, are you going to visit Rune?”
“Ugh, that…”
“How nice! I would have loved to go too!”
Stop it, Young Girl Lily’s pouty face works on me. Please don’t…
The Rune vacation plan proposed by Wil doesn’t include Lily.
Of course, it’s not because I’m deliberately leaving her out. It’s just that she cannot possibly miss this; as the Queen of Pandemonium and the Marshal of the Empire Army, Lily is absolutely necessary for handling the aftermath of the consecutive conflicts at the Battle of Reberia and the liberation of Nevan.
But I’m just a decorative Demon King… so it’s fine if I’m not there… That seems to be the common consensus among those involved in internal affairs in the Elroad Empire.
“Honestly, I feel sorry for her.”
“But Fiona is going too!”
“Yeah, but Fiona definitely needed to go at least once.”
Apparently, the representative of the Sun Temple, the religion of Rune, is a girl whose face and name closely resemble Fiona’s. And it was Lily who first brought this information to us.
Perhaps it could reveal some of Fiona’s birth secrets… and I have been quite curious about that, but there have been too many battles to deal with until now. Therefore, this opportunity arises.
Nonetheless, Fiona herself doesn’t seem particularly interested. It seems her interests are more directed toward the country of Rune itself.
“Ahh, I wanted to go to Rune with everyone.”
“I’ll stay with you as much as possible until the departure.”
And I’ll have to curry favor as much as I can.
When your girlfriend has to work hard while you’re just a freeloader off on vacation, that sudden feeling of becoming a worthless man strikes me… No, it’s not a mere illusion; I truly am a worthless man.
Leaving important internal affairs to her and then playing around after the fighting is over, while she fought on the front lines.
It’s bad; I feel genuinely depressed from the disgust—But Lily is the one with the hardest burden.
Thinking that, I decide to start by poking her slightly inflated cheeks.