Chapter 7
Satou here . There's usually a reason behind banned stuff . The problem is when a ban remains even after the reason for that ban has been renounced . Like irrational regulations in middle schools .
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"Ceremony of Oracle shall now begin . "
As God Heraruon finished making that declaration, silver lights converged between me and the gods, and then a complex frail-looking structure that seemed to be an old man showed up there .
An orange colored light, similar to that of God Heraruon, is shining in the core of said structure .
"By will of my great master, this Laluloluliluheaph shall preside over this ceremony . O human who has passed God's Trials, you have been given permission to profess your wish now . "
Even though these gods are right in front of me, apparently the Old Structure will act as a messenger to convey my words to them .
These gods aren't much different than those in higher positions like nobles .
"Insolent fool . I see that you wish to have your soul be erased here!"
The Old Structure sent out scolding words along with a scathing heatwave at me .
A torrent of raging flame swallowed my astral body whole . I don't feel any pain, but it's blinding and tingling .
Words in this world, particularly those with strong emotions appear to carry physical--or rather, astral shock wave or raging flames with them .
My thoughts would leak out if I let my mind wandered off during the God Mingles when I was taking on the God's Trials back then, I've gotta be careful here .
"Please pardon me . "
"Unscathed after getting a direct hit of my divine punishment?!"
That was a divine punishment huh .
Guess this Old Structure is a familiar of god?
"Laluloluliluheaph, we're going in circle, just leave it at that . "
God Tenion shut the Old Structure out .
Gods' words are apparently absolute, the Old Structure turns toward me again without looking disgruntled in the least .
"--Profess your wish . "
The Old Structure said haughtily .
I don't really get their gestures, but there's no doubt he's holding his head up high while looking down on me right now .
"I wish to know the reasons behind the taboo that resulted in divine punishments being handed down unto ancient Genma Empire and Weasel Empire . "
I ask the main reason I came here .
By the way, Genma Empire was the name of a country that King Mummy, Corpse of the Labyrinth's lower layer once ruled over .
The Old Structure translates my words and conveys them to the gods .
"It is not a matter men ought to be privy of . "
God Heraruon brushed it off in one sentence .
The Old Structure's translation was way too long so I ignored him .
"In other words, you would not tell me the reason for the taboo?"
Like I'd let him end it with that one sentence after I went the trouble of clearing all those annoying trials .
"You've got an objection to God's Decisions?!"
God Zaikuon roared while scattering psychedelic yellow lights around .
The nymphs who seem to be his familiars are frantically trying to soothe and stop him from jumping out of the spot where the gods sit .
"Oh isn't it fine to tell him . "
God Tenion whispered as her green aura fashioned like a hagoromo of a celestial maiden blinked .
" . . . Tenion . "
"He has passed our trials for this occasion after all, I think it's fair to tell him that much, is it not?"
God Tenion advocated for me while facing the dissatisfied looking God Zaikuon .
"Granting one wish we can grant to those who have passed our trials . That's what we have agreed upon . We ought to upkeep the agreement . Karion said so as well . "
"I didn't . But I'm in agreement with what Urion said . "
God Urion and God Karion advocated for me as well .
"See, Karion said so as well . "
"No . Urion, you should learn about chronological orders . "
These two gods sure get along well .
"--It cannot be helped . "
"Heraruon?!"
God Heraruon reluctantly gave his approval, and then he turns toward God Garleon and God Parion who have been keeping silent while ignoring the shocked god Zaikuon .
"Garleon, Parion, any objection?"
"Do as you like . "
God Garleon gave his agreement displeasedly, while God Parion made a gesture like she was nodding lightly in silent .
After confirming that, God Heraruon turned toward me .
"It is for the sake of world peace . "
--That's it? That's the reason?
What a shitty explanation!!
"You insolent fool!!!"
The Old Structure shot out a tsunami of crimson flame along with reprimanding words at me .
Whoops . I had reflexively let loose of my mind's shackles since his reply was just too much .
--Pu, kusukusu .
God Parion who had been keeping silent appeared to find the flow of events funny, she burst into laughter with a small, small voice . I'm not sure about these gods' expressions, but she has this cuteness like that of a small animal .
"Parion just laughed . "
"Parion's smiles really are the best . "
"It's been awhile since I last saw Parion smiling . Karion should laugh together with her . "
"I won't . That sounds a bit fun, but I won't laugh just because Urion told me to . "
The other gods were surprised to see Parion laughing as well .
"In honor of Parion, I shall forgive your discourtesy . "
Once the gods calmed down, God Heraruon forgave my gaffe .
"Be grateful for the vastness of God Heraruon's mercy . "
But I can't let this over yet, I should press them a bit more .
"I understand that the reason behind the taboo is for world peace, but as someone unenlightened, I am unable to connect the dots that lead to those . Could you please tell me what those dots are?"
I can't even start with negotiations if I don't at least get that part, and I have no idea how lenient or strict the taboo is .
"--Fool . "
"Truly indeed . What fools humans are . Asking for answers without even attempting to find out themselves . Trying to grope out the depth of god's generosity, their impudence truly knows no bound . "
The Old Structure followed after God Heraruon's disparagement .
I ignore him since he's starting a rally about the ugliness of humans or something .
"Can I go back now?"
"No . You too Heraruon, you should stop dodging the question by throwing unnecessary abuses . Tenion, we leave the rest to you . "
God Karion who had gotten tired of the grumbling fluttered as she tried to leave the place, but God Urion stopped her .
"--Me? Is that fine with you, Heraruon?"
God Tenion asked for God Heraruon's approval even while seemingly startled by God Urion's irresponsible remark .
"Very well . Enlighten that fool . "
God Heraruon gave his generous permission .
God Tenion's [Is that fine] was for [Is that fine to tell him], it appears .
Looking at the course of events, God Heraruon seems to be soft against God Tenion and God Parion .
"You sure Heraruon?!"
"Silence, Zaikuon . "
God Garleon unpleasantly slapped the roaring God Zaikuon with words .
Like, he literally slapped using words as God Zaikuon's body shook .
"I never asked you!"
"Who would . Why don't you understand that's precisely why everyone is making a fool out of you . "
Since words carry effects with these gods, I'm not sure if they're quarreling or just having an argument .
"Shut up? Won't you two . "
Rebuked by God Karion who kept her own pace, God Zaikuon and God Garleon fell silent awkwardly .
"Satou of man, I shall answer your question . "
After surveying the surroundings once, God Tenion began talking after her hagoromo-like aura changed shapes .
That may be the gesture signifying her fixing her sitting posture and clearing her throat .
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"If you humans 『Science』 civilization sees a progress, people's faiths will see a degradation . "
God Tenion's calmly narrates .
I could only nod at this since earth has similar history .
"And if faiths were to lessen, the barrier that protects the world shall be weakened as well . "
"What kind of science would lessen faiths?"
Some terms intrigued me, but since this was my chance to get to the point, I asked her about the exact sciences that would violate the taboo .
"Generally speaking, it would be the likes of constant personal and immediate means of communication between individuals, mass transports, mass manufactures through industrializations, and mass consumptions, I think?"
Just as I expected--no wait, it's a bit different .
It may have been included already in one of the stuff God Tenion mentioned last, but I should ask just in case .
"Is there no prohibition on printing technology?"
"Yes, we did not prohibit it . "
God Tenion said it clearly .
Then why hasn't printing spread through all over the world?
"Is that all you want to ask?"
"No, I have one more question . "
I pressed on like the protagonist of a long-lasting police drama .
"I forgot to ask before, you said [World Peace] would be in danger if the barrier got weakened, what is this thing that endangers [World Peace]?"
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