Kapitel 27: Is this what they call "fun"?
At one of Japan's leading theme parks, a young man with slightly disheveled hair tied back behind him was standing in silence with an ambiguous expression.
In his left hand, he held a churro, and in his right hand, he was held by a gothic Lolita girl. Well, more accurately, she had a tight grip on him. While the girl chewed on her churro, she made no attempt to let go of the young man's hand.
"... So, can anyone explain what happened while I and Ophis waited in line for an hour, thirty minutes, and forty-seven seconds to ride the roller coaster?"
"It's Goetia, boss. Before that, I want you to answer my question."
"What is it, Barbatos?"
"Why are you disguised as Romani Archaman?"
"Obviously, it's a jab at Flauros. You know, making him feel sentimental as he watches couples on a date and reminiscing about Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight."
"I see. So, it's the same reason Baal took on Edmond Dantès' appearance to taunt the Grand Order."
"Yeah, and it's the same as when Baal encouraged Archer while leaning against a bench over there, thinking of himself as Cao Cao."
Goetia, disguised as Romani Archaman, looked beyond the crowd to find a young man named Baal and Cao Cao, along with "The Professor."
"Am I really annoying...?"
"You're my sworn ally. Don't be so down about it. Besides, that girl isn't calling you her father or anything, is she?"
"Professor, there's no need to be so shocked."
"Baal, Cao Cao, you wouldn't understand. You wouldn't understand the struggles I face, being a Demon Pillar and a young man. Right after being called 'Papa' in excitement, I'm immediately dismissed as annoying!"
"Xenovia, why don't you join the Hero Faction?"
"Uh, could you please not involve me too much?"
"Well, you know, if you say that, it makes me want to bother you even more. You see, I'm kind of like a teacher at a delinquent school in my current position. When there's just one person left out in the circle of friends, I can't help but want to... well, I mean, I want to include them, not push them away."
"Then, how about using the curse that Jeanne taught you? The one that works wonders on the Professor."
"Huh?"
"Say, 'Papa is annoying.'"
"Being called 'Papa' is nice. I'll admit that. But annoying? I'm not!"
"Jeanne probably taught you that curse as a joke."
"Excuse me, I'll say it for you again."
"You find joy in causing trouble with a characteristically aggressive girl calling you 'Father'?"
"There's something called the Gap Rule, Baal."
"Professor, please don't dismantle the image you've built up within me any further."
Looking at Cao Cao earnestly pleading, Goetia couldn't help but give a small smile in surprise.
"You're more composed than I expected. I thought you would fall apart if your reason for existence, the Holy Spear, was taken away. I guess it's fitting for someone who calls themselves a hero."
The current Cao Cao no longer possesses the "Holy Spear."
As enemies of Goetia, the God of the Bible, the seal of the god's will, the Holy Spear, had to be undone. Just like with the "Evil Pieces," the Demon Pillars established a way to extract the divine instruments without killing the owners. Destruction was also considered, but it was put on hold because there was a possibility that the will would transfer to the Holy Grail or the Holy Cross. Currently, the Holy Spear is tightly sealed within the hole of the Time Temple.
Other divine instruments were also investigated, but nothing like the factor devoured by Ophis' snake was found. The relieved expressions on the faces of the Hero Faction at that time were quite memorable. They were relieved not because their actions were manipulated by the gods, but because they wouldn't suffer the same fate as the Demon Pillars.
However, that doesn't mean they should accompany Ophis to the amusement park. They are being monitored, but not restrained, so they could have come on their own.
The reason they chose Japan among all the theme parks around the world was probably because the Holy Grail War, which that man wished for, was held in this country. Moreover, that young man is a native of this country. They chose it more or less for reasons they can't really put into words.
"Compared to that..."
Goetia glanced briefly at them. Over there, the Demon Pillar disguised as humans was causing various commotions. They must seem like a strange group to the regular visitors.
"I am not a pancake... Not a pancake...!"
"I am not a suspicious person or a squid. I am a stingray. Why am I the only one...?"
"Oh, woman seeking treatment for her health gone mad. You should not have come here...!"
"That jet coaster is fundamentally wrong. It's not an amusement ride. It's a dangerous object. It must be removed."
"... Humans are hard to understand. Life is complicated. However, I have arrived at one clear answer. Fear without the danger of death is unnecessary and is a form of entertainment... I have... mistaken the value of that amusement ride."
"Leonardo, you're too free-spirited."
"Foolish Hero Faction. Why do you seek it? Why can't you handle it?"
It was simply chaotic.
"Report from Gaap."
"Ah, urgently begin the report, Gaap."
"First, Hagenti saw an illustration in this pamphlet that resembled Media Lily and had a panic attack."
"When will that guy overcome his trauma?"
"It can't be helped!"
Goetia overheard the conversation with Gaap and stood up to protest.
"The Grand Order and fellow Demon Pillars! You should understand! Endless death, eternal predation! The eternal cycle of suffering, along with the fear of being remade at will! Have you tasted them?!"
"Do not compare the curse of the biblical god and its treatment with your pancake incident... Ah, it has resurfaced, hasn't it?"
"Why recommend pancakes in summer? They should promote ice cream... or parfaits! Those are much cooler! Why am I the only one going through this...!"
"Alright, I understand. Calm down."
His trauma runs deep.
"Next is Forneus. He got mistaken as a suspicious person by the guardian spirit, who is the manager of this facility. The misunderstanding was cleared, but the guardian spirit seemed to know his true identity and kept calling him 'Mr. Squid.' It apparently hurt him inside."
"The guardian spirit... The rat we know."
"The very same rat."
"..."
"..."
"Forneus, despite being a Demon Pillar, is overly sensitive."
"Let's assume that the misunderstanding has been cleared."
There are things in the world that should not be delved into.
"Then, about Phenex and Andras, they took another roller coaster separate from the Grand Order and Ophis and thoroughly enjoyed it."
"Hey."
"Wait! I didn't enjoy such a dangerous thing! What is that? Why do humans pay money and waste time to experience such a fear of death? It's wrong. It's practically a cursed weapon."
"I acknowledge the value of that amusement ride."
"What are you saying, Andras!?"
"What about you, Phenex? How can you make such a horrifying suggestion?"
Ignoring them and letting them do as they please, Goetia turns his attention to Naberius and Andromalius.
"Then, Naberius had trouble finding Leonardo who got lost. He's a valuable owner of divine instruments. It would be troublesome if anything happened. Due to the presence of the guardian spirit, he refrained from using mana. As a result, it took longer than planned. Andromalius prevented members of the Hero Faction, including Jeanne, from going on a shopping spree for souvenirs."
"I think the latter could have been ignored without any issues? It's not like we're the ones spending money."
"It suggests the possibility that the Time Temple was decorated."
"... What about Halphas and Barbatos?"
"Berserker and his disciple, who found heatstroke patients in another line, went out of control as usual. The guardian spirit also complained about them going too far, so Halphas and Barbatos sacrificed themselves to stop them."
"Well done. ...But really, why are these humans enduring long lines in this scorching heat for such amusement rides? Is it some kind of training for enlightenment? Though I'm not Phoenix, I can't think of it as anything but pointless."
"This is the human nature, filled with passion."
The concept of "play" pursued by humans. Dogs and cats may play, but that's merely an expression of their hunting instincts. In contrast, human "play" is mostly meaningless entertainment that doesn't lead to work, though it may occasionally be associated with it. Ophis, a dragon but also human, seeks it for some reason. Is it because he has acquired human traits?
If this dragon god has indeed acquired human traits, one of the reasons would undoubtedly be Goetia. Ophis, who has finished his portion of the churro, looks at the churro in Goetia's hand with keen interest.
"What about Glasya-Labolas and Sabnock?"
"Glasya-Labolas is operating separately with the magi of the misfortune faction, 'Nilrem,' and their affiliates, the 'Witches' Night,' and has destroyed them while incorporating their remnants as reinforcements. They are responsible for their instructions and management."
"... Just to confirm, are all of them girls?"
"No, there are boys and mature women too. The age range is wide, so they might look like the organizers of a neighborhood association trip with a high percentage of foreigners."
"Is that an actual example...? Where is he heading to? And what about Sabnock?"
Perhaps saying rumors attract shadow would be appropriate, as Sabnock appears at that moment.
"Report from Sabnock. I encountered Kingu carrying a fox monster on his back and he said something strange."
"Wait, that doll is coming here. He should be in Kyoto."
"He seems to be traveling with youkai. According to him—"
"There was the presence of a relatively big shot fallen angel, but it suddenly disappeared."
"From his reaction, I thought it might be you guys."
"In that case, forget it. I just came to confirm since I didn't want to be seen as involved with you guys because we were in the same place."
"Don't drag us into whatever you're planning."
"I'm enjoying my freedom after a long time."
"Why do I have to study Japanese history?"
"That's what he said. To supplement, he can read our presence and that's why he warned us not to come near."
"Did you convey the plan of the god of the bible to them?"
"Of course. But they brushed it off as 'irrelevant.'"
"That might actually save us. While he is skilled, it's a different story if we can establish an ideal cooperative relationship."
Undoubtedly, Kingu will agitate the Hero Faction and cause a clash. Moreover, there is the matter of that peculiar creature Ophis picked up, which will likely lead to some trouble.
"Grand Order. More importantly, about the fallen angel that Kingu sensed. They might have come here to check on us. They might try to infiltrate the severely reduced Time Temple. Issue an immediate return order."
"Hmph, you're naive, Andromalius."
Zepar mocked Andromalius's attitude. By the way, the human form Zepar took on was that of a voluptuous woman. Although she said, "It's surprisingly fitting but unsettlingly uncomfortable," no one paid attention to her.
"What are you trying to say, Zepar-whatever?"
"Who are you calling Zepar-whatever!"
"Zepar. Stop fooling around and speak up."
By the order of the Grand Order, Zepar composed himself and presented his theory.
"This is probably a trap. They likely know we are here, but they haven't found the Time Temple yet. They are waiting for us to make a move. By tracking us, they intend to locate the Time Temple's location. Therefore, I propose ignoring the previous information. Instead, let's focus on satisfying Ophis for the future."
"For Zepar, that's a convincing argument."
"For Zepar, that's an attractive proposal."
"For Zepar, it's worth considering."
"Don't insult me as if it's a refrain!"
"But the way Zepar smugly presents it is quite irritating."
"I don't recall doing anything to deserve such treatment!?"
"So, what do you plan to do, Grand Order?"
"Ignore them!?"
Goetia fell silent for a moment before offering a churro to Ophis. Ophis swallowed the churro without resistance, munching on it.
"There's no request for help from the Time Temple. If there's nothing, let's accompany Ophis until the park closes. If there's a rescue request, we'll return to the Time Temple immediately. But sunset is still far away. If what Zepar said is correct, it would be amusing to make them impatient. We'll take our time enjoying the parade and escape perfectly."
"I agree with that plan, but I want to know the basis for the decision."
"We decided to spend today in this place. If Andromalius's concerns are correct or if Zepar's opinion is correct, it would be foolish to adapt to those troublesome pests. We stepped into the false utopia created by humans. Let's enjoy ourselves to the fullest."
During the time of Incineration of Humanity, Goetia found pleasure in making use of lives with an imminent end. During the collapse of the Time Temple, Goetia found pleasure in exchanging their final resolve with Fujimaru Ritsuka.
"So, this is what 'fun' feels like."
Though the name may be the same, it's different from before. It's not something special. It's not something unique. Just the elation that humans feel as humans. Despite having fluctuations in his mind, why does he feel so calm?
"Goetia?"
"Ophis, are you having fun?"
"I sought tranquility. This is not tranquility... But, I'm happy to have this."
"...I see."
Goetia wonders. Did 'he' know this feeling? Even if the 'King' didn't know it in life, he must have savored it after death. This utterly common and yet irreplaceably precious time. If this is what it means to be alive...
"In the end, it's quite strange and amusing. The concept of human life..."
***
"An amusement park, huh?"
"What's the matter, Baraqiel?"
At the amusement park, where a strange lineup of forces, including Goetia, Ophis, the Hero Faction's main force, and even Kingu, had gathered to confront some unknown mythological entities, two fallen angels stood.
One had a warrior-like appearance, Baraqiel, while the other had glasses, Sahariel. Both were high-ranking members of "Those Who Watch Over God's Children" and prominent fallen angels mentioned in the bibles. The sight of two middle-aged men standing in front of an amusement park was somewhat comical.
"No, I never thought of bringing Akeno... my daughter to a place like this."
"Haha, your daughter became a member of that Gremory household, huh? Well, Azazel seems to be concerned about it too. After we're done with Solomon's matter, it might be good for her to move forward a bit."
"Yeah, you're right."
"Then let's go. The Demon Pillar radar is detecting strong reactions from this amusement park."
Using information obtained from the cells of the two Pillars, Glasya-Labolas, and Zepar, the fallen angels had created a radar to detect the life force of the Demon Pillars.
"Seeing multiple reactions here, there's a high possibility they'll cause a commotion. It's like a pattern that villains often follow in tokusatsu and robot shows."
"Almaros and now this... why do they always..."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk! We're here to inform the park's management that a Demon Pillar is present and ask for their cooperation."
As Sahariel and Baraqiel stepped forward...
In that instant, the world was rewritten.
"What's this?"
"Seems like some kind of barrier."
They found themselves inside a temple, its architectural style suggesting ancient Israel. From its structure and the empty throne, there was no doubt that it was the King's chamber. Although the space was spacious, it was filled with strangely suffocating air.
In their minds, the image of the most powerful curse artifact known as the Mist Annihilator, capable of even destroying nations, appeared.
"No way, the 'Abyss of Mist'!"
"No, it's just a regular magecraft. It's called a bounded field. I thought you guys were being unsophisticated, so I decided to butt in."
A voice came from where the throne should have been empty. It was an unfamiliar voice, yet one they recognized. An unknown face, but a familiar expression.
"Let me introduce myself."
Though they faintly sensed a demonic aura, it was overshadowed by the overwhelming and scorching waves of magical power. No, it seemed like the very space itself was dyed with this magical power.
"My name is Solomon. One of the ancient kings of Israel, a great sinner who deceived the gods. And I am your enemy."
The space was filled with magical power and his expression showed that unmistakable anger. That detestable King. Even now, even in the past, his actions had thrown the forces of the Bible into chaos. A culprit disturbing the world's peace, the greatest evildoer in human history. Even in death, he continued to sow malice, seeking to disrupt their peace.
"Solomon... I heard you took over the body of the former Asmodeus. Is it true? Is the reaction of the Demon Pillars a trap to lure us in?"
"Your remarks, belittling Creuserey and the Demon Pillars, are insulting, but I'm more forgiving than you guys. Just this once, I'll allow it and offer you a warning. If you leave now, I won't pursue you. Just disappear, you pests."
Standing up from the throne, Solomon spread his arms to confront them.
"There, only those without sin, those seeking atonement, and those with a future are allowed. We can't enter."
"The one with sins and no future is only you, Solomon. You are far too dangerous."
Baraqiel's hand emitted a flash of lightning.
"For the sake of our fallen brethren, and for the future of my daughter and her comrades, I'll bury you here."
"...I really hate this about you guys. Invaders, usurpers, destroyers, perpetrators pretending to be victims. You think you'll become more understanding with time, but it seems like you're just getting worse. That's you, Baraqiel."
Frowning, displeased, and uncomfortable, Solomon clicked his tongue.
"See? Both of you have been loved by some foolish women with strange heads. And those silly stories of yours."
"Are you insulting Shuri and Akeno!?"
Baraqiel's anger flared instantly. The radiance of his lightning grew even stronger. It was his sore spot.
It happened almost twenty years ago. Baraqiel fell in love with a renowned shrine maiden. She was the daughter of the Himejima main family, Shuri Himejima. Later, their daughter, Akeno, was born. However, members of the "Himejima" mistook him as a fallen angel who had enticed Shuri, and they attacked their home. Baraqiel fought back, but then, people who held a grudge against fallen angels attacked Shuri and Akeno in his absence. The mother died, and the daughter came to despise the existence of fallen angels.
Though indirectly, it was still a tragedy caused by this man. It was unforgivable that he would now mock it.
"You pose no threat to me now. I can defeat anyone here—except for you. With my current body being the descendant of Asmodeus, it's true that I might lose if we fought. After all, the flow of time is terrifying. Please make sure to train the next successor properly. A new body is also being prepared."
Admitting he couldn't win in his current state, Solomon maintained a calm attitude. No, there was no calmness in his attitude. His words and expressions always exuded wrath.
Baraqiel couldn't understand. It was something even Azazel and Michael, who were not present, couldn't understand. Sirzechs and the new Satan probably couldn't understand either. Except for Asmodeus, the former Satan, no one could understand. Not only now but even when he was alive, no one could understand. And this question might never be answered in the future.
What is this man so angry about?
As if reading that question, Solomon's smile changed. Not an angry smile, but a resigned and lazy smile. It looked like he was imitating someone else, like an unnatural laugh.
"Let others deal with you guys. Well then, I'll leave the rest to both of you."
Solomon raised the back of his right hand, showing a red mark, a tattoo-like design that he didn't remember having when he was alive. If looked closely, not only on his right arm but throughout his body, the same design of tattoos seemed to cover him.
"In the name of the glorious Fiona Knights... I'll take your head."
"If you stand in my way... then you're my enemy. Let's go!"
Appearing behind Solomon were two men. Both were human, but they exuded an otherworldly beauty. One was Erin's guardian, and the other was Kosala's king.
"This is my mental landscape. It's a space of my accumulated wrath and obsession. It can only be broken by human love and hope. I don't mind if you don't hold back. If you want to meet my wife using my 'Truth,' then show me your head."
***
I... Gasper Vladi, feel relieved.
"I'm sorry, Chief! I couldn't be of any help!"
Issei Hyoudou, who had been in a coma for a long time, finally woke up. When we, the Gremory household members, went to visit him, he immediately got off the hospital bed as if falling off and prostrated himself before the Chief.
"It's embarrassing that I slept while everyone was fighting! If I were there, I would have beaten that grilled chicken bastard!"
"Please lift your head, Issei."
Upon being told, Issei raised his face. His tears had messed up his expression.
"I understand how difficult it must have been for you. Besides, even if you weren't there, we still had to win. If only we had one more 'cleric' or 'knight,' things might have been different."
"Ugh, Chief... But you and that grilled chicken bastard..."
"Don't worry, Issei. More importantly, while you were asleep, the world has been going through a serious situation. It's a much bigger event than my marriage."
The Chief mentioned the major event, the resurrection of the King of Magic, Solomon. It seemed that the Old Satan Faction had acquired Solomon's ring. However, the ring contained Solomon's soul, and when the descendant of the former Asmodeus, Creuserey Asmodeus, wore the ring, Solomon took over his body. The Old Satan Faction was obliterated by Solomon, and Rizevim Livan Lucifer, the son of the former Lucifer and Lilith , had to seek protection from the current government. It was quite an extraordinary situation when the former Satan, who should have been their enemy, sought refuge with the current Satan.
A meeting to address the crisis was convened, but apparently, when the information about Solomon's ring was revealed, representatives from various factions ran away. Though I wondered if that was okay for the representatives...
I couldn't get the details, but it seemed that countermeasures against Solomon were found, and Satan-sama and Azazel-sensei were busily preparing for it. Naturally, they also needed to plan against Solomon, the Demon Pillars, and the Old Satan Faction, so they were short on manpower.
"Oh, a lot has happened while I was asleep."
"Yes. We might also have to go to the battlefield. But this is an opportunity. If I play an active role here, I might be able to make this game's outcome disappear... no, I might be able to nullify the engagement altogether and be free to marry."
"That's right! Devils are all about strength, after all!"
Meanwhile, the investigation results of the attack on the Demon Pillars in Romania reached me. To put it briefly, it was almost a total annihilation. Seventy percent of my family members were killed. And Valerie, my benefactor, was missing. According to the few intact materials, it seemed that Valerie had awakened a powerful artifact, and the enemies took her away for that reason, according to what Azazel-sensei said.
Valerie, please be safe.
"Chief, I was planning to ask Issei-kun once he woke up, is it okay?"
"What is it, Yuto?"
"What exactly did Solomon do?"
Solomon. The ancient king of Israel. We were told never to mention that name. Yuto-senpai's voice was trembling.
"I was taught not to utter that name in the Netherworld due to his history of subduing seventy-two demons. But considering recent events, it seems there was much more to him. Please, tell us. What is Solomon?"
A shadow fell over the Chief's face. It showed grief, lamentation, and anger against unreasonable malice. Sternly, the Chief spoke the truth.
"Solomon... He once caused absolute chaos in the world."
"Ab-absolute chaos?"
"Yes, he used the ring granted by God to rampage as he pleased."
Solomon's famous tale, the only ring granted by the one true God. The ring was said to embody God's wisdom, and King Solomon used this wisdom to build the golden age of ancient Israel. The ring had various abilities, and it was said that it was also the source of his control over the seventy-two demons.
"He deceived God without hesitation, utilized demons without hesitation, and killed fallen angels without conscience. It's said that he even interfered with the laws of the world and disrupted the power balance of various factions at that time. He forcibly controlled the seventy-two demons of that time with the power of the ring and then sealed them in a jar and threw it into a lake when they were no longer of use. Not only that, he killed demons who entered his country without permission without any warning, whether they were women or young children. The same goes for fallen angels. Angels, on the other hand, didn't harm them too much as they had bad relations with God. Not only the God of the Bible but also gods from all over the world were deceived by him. That's why many who resent the forces of the Bible have reasons to hate him. It's a terrible story, and he alone is responsible for it. It's only hearsay, but I don't know of any other human with such brutal, ruthless, and heartless tales. He... should never have possessed the ring."
He... fooled God. From what I heard, it wasn't just one or two incidents. Solomon's threat was beyond the parts of the myths that have been told.
Such an evil person... it's scary. Everyone else who listened to the story also had tense expressions.
"He was such a formidable existence, Solomon."
"Yes, his blemish that couldn't be left in myths or history. That's why he used the power of the ring to erase even records of him from people's history. He was a cowardly man. But you know, his revival as such a threat means that all the mythologies around the world need to join forces. Even if Solomon was such a menace, he might not be strong enough to fight against the whole world. Some who were reluctant to form an alliance might now feel fear and the desire for retaliation against Solomon, making them more positive about the alliance."
If various factions join forces, then surely they will find a way to deal with Solomon. Valerie should be saved too. If there's another Rating Game, this time I'll fight until the end. With Issei-senpai by my side, I won't lose to anyone. When peace is restored, everything will work out.
At that time, I truly believed so.
***
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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