NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Gods are born, sustained, and meet their end through faith.
What this means is that when the faith of many people gathers, a god is born, and by consuming that faith, the god maintains eternal life. When the faith scatters, the god meets its end.
Except for the Sun God, whose existence cannot be proven by anyone and whose only tangible evidence is holy power, all gods are like this. Excluding gods like the Demon God, who defy the heavens.
No scientist could explain the strange phenomena. From the beginning, it made no sense that the belief of life could create something out of nothing.
But what can you do? It’s an undeniable reality. The world is full of inexplicable supernatural things. Even though scientists refuse to acknowledge
However, regarding this phenomenon of
The first is the Emperor of the Empire. The only genius I acknowledge and the man with the greatest intellect on the continent.
He conceived the idea of artificially creating a god and formed a group of "believers" within the Empire.
Using his power, the Emperor gathered thousands of people with weak mental fortitude. The weaker the mind, the more fanatically they cling to something.
The Emperor subjected them to various forms of brainwashing and mental education, creating an environment where they had no choice but to believe in the fictional god he envisioned. His authority and wealth fully supported his execution of this plan.
Of course, his experiment caused a massive ethical controversy. How dare humans intentionally violate the divine realm! Various religious sects, other nations within the Seven Nations, and even the gods themselves opposed the Empire.
But the Emperor’s execution is the best on the continent. He ignored all opposition and even threatened the gods, saying, "If you interfere, I will annihilate all your worshippers and temples," and pushed forward with the project.
The result was a great success.
An unprecedented event occurred in the history of the Heavenly Realm, the Demon Realm, and the continent. For the first time, a god was born for the Empire, by the Empire, and of the Empire.
This event clearly showed the arrogance, self-righteousness, coldness, and brilliance of the Emperor’s values.
The second person is me. Around the same time, I also came up with a similar idea to the Emperor’s.
However, there was a slight difference in the method and goal.
If gods are born through faith, then perhaps even lowly and inferior lifeforms could be turned into gods through faith.
If a creature treated as worse than an ant on the street, scorned by everyone as trash, could be elevated to the top of the food chain, revered by all as a god.
If the hierarchy of races and the inherent class system were overturned, and goblins looked down on dragons, and demons revered magical beasts, then such a future could become reality.
That would be the greatest magic, an unprecedented feat in all of history, past and future, east and west.
I thought so.
Afterward, I immediately captured a goblin. A pitiful goblin that could only utter "Chwee-eek..." and had no language or writing.
Then, I brought the goblin to the Duke’s mansion and began to believe with all my might that the goblin was a god.
Creating a god depends on the magnitude of faith. The Emperor created a god with the faith of thousands. The key is to have faith greater and more desperate than that of thousands.
Everyone laughed.
Everyone mocked and insulted me.
They said that if an individual could do it, anyone could, and told me to stop fooling around and get a grip.
But who am I?
A clown who creates miracles. The Joker. My job is to turn losing wars into victories, freeze what should burn, and make the impossible possible.
Truly, I believed with all my might. I believed with every fiber of my being.
I even brainwashed myself, swearing that if the goblin wasn’t a god, I would burn my own hand. A thousand days passed like this.
To cut to the chase, it failed. Not because my plan and design failed.
It was because when the goblin reached the state of being half-god and half-beast, the gods came in droves.
Numbers matter. When a bunch of self-proclaimed gods swarmed in, threatening to stop immediately, how could a single demon resist?
Still, I fought back, and after about seven days and nights of battle, I was utterly defeated. Those so-called gods ganged up on me so cowardly. When Odin’s Gungnir and Thor’s Mjolnir struck simultaneously, my vision spun.
There was also a fundamental problem. The goblin was too pitiful.
If I had at least brought an elf, it might have succeeded, but the vessel of a goblin, classified as the lowest monster, was far narrower than I had imagined.
Anyway, after three years of hard work, the plan fell apart. When only the half-god goblin remained, I tearfully disposed of it.
I firmly resolved never to make such a damn plan again.
All plans in the world are perfect. But most of them fail because variables exist everywhere, anytime.
That’s why I, who was never acknowledged by anyone, acknowledged the Emperor around that time.
While I was busy fending off the gods before me, the Emperor thought one step deeper and used the worshippers as hostages to threaten them. In the end, he succeeded in creating a god.
Why am I suddenly telling this story?
Because right now, in front of me, a demon is being framed as the culprit, much like the goblin I mentioned earlier.
Specifically, the culprit I created.
Clank, clank-.
A being made entirely of vegetables and plants from head to toe, wearing handcuffs and leg irons, is surrounded by Demon Realm Police.
Behind him, the body of a young demon with long hair and a clean appearance was being carried in a coffin. Of course, that body was also wearing handcuffs and leg irons.
They are the avatar and true body of King, the Southern Grand Duke of the Demon Realm. The true body appearing in the world is probably the first time in almost ten thousand years. As far as I know, that is.
"Everyone, make way-! We are transporting a prisoner-!"
The prisoner at the forefront shouted in a booming voice, addressing the crowd surrounding King.
"My god, did the Southern Grand Duke really kill Lucifer’s second son?"
"They found the Grand Duke’s mask there. It’s a well-known fact that no one has entered that lonely place for decades."
"But why would the Grand Duke kill Lucifer’s second son? It’s only a loss for him."
"Who knows? There must have been some trouble. We don’t know."
"You lot! What are you doing blocking the way? Blocking the transport route is a serious crime!"
King was chuckling as if something was funny. In truth, if he unleashed his full power, breaking free and escaping would be easier than chewing gum.
"There’s no reason to do that."
"Huh? What did you say, Oscar?"
"Nothing, hehe."
"...I see. Still, refrain from laughing so frivolously."
Adela, standing like a statue next to me, spoke. She still had a hardened expression, exuding cold anger.
"Even if he was your rival... he was still your brother, sharing the same blood."
"Yes, sister. I was careless. I’ll be more careful."
"Thank you."
Following her somber command, I wiped the smile off my face, but inside, I was still laughing heartily.
This situation is just too enjoyable and amusing.
Just then, King, walking with the police, passed by me. He rolled his tomato-like eyes down to look at me.
I silently moved my lips.
"(How is it? Do you like the gift I prepared for you, Duke?)"
King seemed to understand what I was trying to say. Soon after, his aged voice echoed in my mind.
- Hehehe....
"(You seem to like it. Such a hearty laugh. I’m glad my sincere efforts weren’t in vain.)"
- Can you handle the consequences of making an enemy of this old demon?
His tone was cold, despite his smiling face.
He is seriously considering whether to kill me or not.
"(Oh, you’re scaring me. My knees are trembling.)"
- This is no joke.
"(Please show some leniency, Duke. Understand that you were the only one I could frame.)"
Originally, I liked leaving cases unsolved after causing them.
Watching the police, whether from the Continent or the Demon Realm, struggle and get confused over a single unsolved case for a long time was truly enjoyable.
However, I stopped doing that after meeting a righteous hero who dug up even decades-old unsolved cases and exposed them all. That hero ended up rendering several of my fake identities useless. What a persistent and stubborn bastard.
Anyway, after that, I always made sure to create a culprit after causing a case. Just like now. No one pays attention to a case where the culprit is clearly revealed.
- Even if you are a regressor... this old demon has lived for millions of years. Are you daring to challenge me now?
"(Oh dear, if I keep tricking you, a real fight might break out.)"
- ...Tricked? Is that the right word?
"(Duke, think about it. You are the only one who knows I am a regressor. Do you really think I would frame you?)"
- Didn’t you steal the mask from my mansion and leave it at the crime scene?
"(Yes, I took it from your 'mansion.' But just because it’s in your mansion doesn’t mean it’s yours alone, right? I only left a clue. Why do you think the culprit is you? Even if other demons believe it, you, who are innocent, shouldn’t.)"
- Why? Because there’s no one else in my mansion but me....
King’s voice trailed off. He seemed lost in deep thought.
I smiled smugly from a position where Adela couldn’t see me.
- ...Don’t tell me.
"(Ahaha, I’m sorry for making you lose your precious subordinate. I’ll find you a much better one later.)"
The monster with a sense of self living in the Southern Duke’s Mansion.
Frankenstein.
He’s stupid, and as long as the Duke gives him meat, he’ll follow any order. There’s probably no better culprit than him. His strength is also formidable enough to easily handle someone like Leonard or Retavis.
- From the moment you stole the mask from my mansion... was this your plan?
"(The mask? Ah, this?)"
I subtly pulled something out of my pocket. Then, I waved it playfully in front of King, whose face had turned as red as a tomato. Like a puppy wagging its tail.
- ...! How did you get that! Clearly, the officer just...!
"(I pickpocketed it when the officer passed by me holding the evidence earlier. The design was too good to just throw away.)"
- Pi, pickpocketing? The kind of petty theft street thugs do?
"(All crimes start small, don’t they? Petty thieves, small-time crooks, lowly workers... who knows if they’ll become master criminals, heroes, or bosses later? In that sense, I’ve long mastered the basics of crime, like pickpocketing. Hehe.)"
- Huh....
I had already slipped a similar mask into the officer’s sleeve.
"(Just frame Frankenstein. He’s a monster who’ll falsely confess if you promise him meat.)"
- Losing one monster subordinate is nothing....
After pausing for a moment, King spoke in a slightly growling tone.
- Mocking me like this... hurts my pride a bit. Even though I’ve been generous, isn’t this taking without asking?
Yes, that’s the reaction I wanted.
"(Haha, I told you, didn’t I? I’ll definitely find you a better subordinate. I’ve never once looked down on you, Duke.)"
- ...Right, you did. Then I’ll trust you. Make sure to find one as soon as possible. I need a servant to handle household chores.
"(Yes! I’ll bring one to you soon!)"
Of course, I won’t find one. I haven’t decided *when* to bring one, after all.
If he comes later asking why I haven’t brought one, I’ll just argue that “soon” is subjective.
After extracting a promise from me that he believed was certain but was actually uncertain, King followed the police, trudging away.
Normally, those who are scammed don’t realize they’ve been scammed. Even a million-year-old monster isn’t any different, it seems.
Or maybe old people are just easier to scam? Old folks tend to fall for scams easily. King doesn’t seem to have lost his mental faculties due to his power, but who knows?
Maybe he’s wasted his years.
Clank, clank-.
King walked away with the police. The demons’ gazes followed him like flies, but no one dared to block the Duke’s path. Even if he was a prisoner.
- In the end, you’ve taken even my Frankenstein.
King’s self-mocking whisper pierced my mind. Since I couldn’t show my face to King as he walked away, I couldn’t respond.
Honestly, I had planned to use Frankenstein like this from the moment I first saw him. As long as I’m not caught, it’s not intentional. Therefore, I’m innocent. I’m a model demon who has never committed a single crime.
King seemed intent on giving a proper statement after arriving at the station. Of course, it would be a false statement framing Frankenstein, as we agreed. But lies become truth when those who know the truth stay silent.
Good, the situation is settled. Now, let’s go. I have a lot to do from here on.
First, I need to leave this tedious Northern Duke Family, enter the Demon Beast Forest for seclusion until the Saint is born, and before that, stop by the auction house in the Western Demon Realm to buy a beastman.
A beastman with the grand lineage of the
Deciding on my future plans, I reached out to grab my sister Adela by the side.
Swish, swish-.
Huh?
Why... isn’t there anything to grab?
Thud-.
Ah, thank goodness. I caught my sister. Phew, I almost had a heart attack. Thinking I’d lost my foolish sister in a place full of demons.
"What are you doing! Why are you touching my butt! Do you want a fight!?"
"Waah! S, sorry!"
"Hmph! You think I’m pretty...."
"It’s not because you’re pretty, and you’re not particularly pretty either... Wait, where’s my sister?"
"How should I know where your sister is? Look ahead!"
In the spot where Adela should have been beside me, there was a female demon I’d never seen before. Did she really get swept away by the crowd? That’s not good.
"Stop."
Fortunately, Adela’s uniquely solemn commanding voice quickly reached my ears. Ignoring the angry woman, I turned my head toward the source.
"I said stop."
Adela opened her mouth as if issuing a warning.
Blocking the path that even the police and King dared not interfere with.
......Blocking the path?
"S, Sister! Why are you there!"
"Stay still, Oscar. This is your sister’s business. Don’t get involved."
Damn it! When did Adela go over there! What’s she planning, blocking the police’s path!
She’s not trying to settle some family vendetta, is she? If it’s Adela, who cherishes her family deeply, she might do something like that.
But if that’s really her mindset, I’m in a very troublesome situation....
"Southern Grand Duke, King."
As if ready to reveal her killing intent, a fierce aura emanated from Adela’s body.
As her sharp spatial control descended on the street, most demons, including the police, were forced to kneel.
A red glow flashed in Adela’s eyes. A threatening current flowed like a waterfall, rushing across the ground. Adela’s long black hair swayed in the air.
At this moment, this space was Adela’s domain. No one present dared to stop the absolute strong one who had unleashed her power fueled by anger.
"Judging by the violent and massive demonic energy, you must be the daughter of the Northern Duke’s child. Your name is Adela, right? I’ve heard a few stories about you."
Except for one person, the other absolute strong one, King.
When everyone, including me, was barely enduring the overwhelming force of gravity, King stood calmly and opened his mouth. Even though it’s just a clone, King didn’t earn the nickname 'King, Queen, Jack, Joker' for nothing.
The oldest demon in the demon realm, the primordial demon. King. In the demon realm, where power determines hierarchy, possessing the position of Duke, second only to the Demon King, for such a long time is proof enough of his overwhelming strength.
"The late Leonard was my brother."
"Hoho...."
"I, Adela Lucifer, the eldest daughter of the great Northern Duke Family, must exact bloody revenge for my fallen kin."
"Are you daring to disregard the law now? This Duke is currently being escorted along with the police, you know?"
"...I understand. That is why I am politely requesting this of you."
Adela clasped her hands together in front of her. As if gripping an invisible pillar, a crimson energy began to gather between her palms.
The energy took on various shapes and colors. A familiar hilt and sword guard formed, glowing red. Soon, a sharp blade began to extend from beneath the guard.
Adela instantly plunged the crimson sword into the ground and placed both hands on its hilt. With a stance as firm and majestic as a mountain, Adela began to chant.
...Surely not, right? King is an opponent even Adela, at full strength, would find hard to guarantee victory against. No matter how much Adela cherishes her kin, risking her own life like this....
"I request a Life-and-Death Duel."