Chapter 299: The G.o.ddesss revival and the Great Demon King who carries the names of the champions

Botin, Mother of the Earth and G.o.ddess of Craftsmans.h.i.+p, gazed upon the thing that had appeared before her.

What is this thing? With an appearance that is clearly even more sinister than evil G.o.ds There are things that look like parts of the Demon King here and there on its surface! But for some reason

Unable to move, she stared upon the grotesque being that possessed a countless number of eyes and limbs. Although she couldnt see them, her subordinate G.o.ds were likely in the same state.

The grotesque being had what were clearly parts of the Demon King Guduranis, embedded and fused with its own body. The Mana emanating from it was similar to Guduraniss as well.

Considering that, perhaps it was an underling or descendant of one of the creatures that Guduranis had created. But for some reason, she felt something resembling a sense of familiarity towards this grotesque being.

For some reason, looking at this thing calms me.

The grotesque being showed no killing intent or hostility towards Botin and her subordinate G.o.ds; it was just wriggling back and forth, and Botin felt like it was saying something.

Even now, she could remember the situation she had been in just before she was sealed away. As for what had happened after she was sealed away, there was nothing to speak of.

While she was sealed away, Botins thinking had been frozen. This was likely a measure that had been taken to prevent her from undoing the seal from within.

However, it seemed that the seal had not been powerful enough to actually stop time inside it. Botin had recovered all of her expended strength and all of the damage she had suffered.

It seems that a long time has pa.s.sed since then. What happened after that?

The moment this question ran through her mind, Botin was suddenly flooded with a vast quant.i.ty of information.

Or to be more precise, Vandalieus undoing of the seal caused her thinking to become unfrozen, and she became conscious of all of the prayers of her wors.h.i.+ppers over the past hundred thousand years.

She learned of the outcome of the war against the Demon King Guduranis, the discord and subsequent war between Vida and Alda, and all of the events that had led up to the present day.

Having understood all of that information, Botin finally became able to hear the voice of the grotesque being Vandalieu.

h.e.l.lo? Can you hear me?

Im terribly sorry, it seems that I was in a bit of a daze. You must be Vandalieu?

Yes. Nice to meet you. My name is Vandalieu Zakkart.

Hearing the Holy Son of Vida greet her with a politeness that one would never expect from his grotesque appearance, Botin let out a sigh that bore all sorts of emotion.

Vida, Ricklent, Zuruwarn, and Zantark have chosen quite the strange one. No, I suppose thats not right. You were like that from the very beginning, she said.

Vida and the others had not chosen Vandalieu. Botin realized this and told herself that they had merely accepted him.

It was not by the G.o.ds choice that Vandalieus soul was made of the fragments of Zakkart, Hillwillow and the other creation-oriented champions.

Vida and the others had simply become aware of Vandalieu and acknowledged him as the successor to the champions they had chosen.

He possessed none of the abilities that the champions had received from Botin and the other G.o.ds, nor did he possess their memories. The G.o.ds had acknowledged this soul a soul that was no different from any other currently living mortal, in that he was merely a reincarnation of other individuals who had lived in the past.

Mortal child Vandalieu, who has been acknowledged by Vida and the others. You are the one who undid the seal, arent you?

Yes. Or to be more precise, Im currently still undoing it.

Right now?

Yes, my clones are. And Im also controlling my physical body while Im in here.

Botin looked to one side to see a small, white-haired boy releasing Mana towards a black wall the seal that had been created by the Demon King.

This place is something like a Divine Realm, so normally, when a human enters it, their souls leave their body and they become unable to move, said Botin.

Im using Skills to control my body. It seems that Im a little different from normal, said Vandalieu.

Good grief. It seems that youre still the hard worker, even after being reincarnated. How are you so remarkably similar when you dont share any memories?

I believe its probably a coincidence.

Hearing Vandalieu say something so simple and thoughtless in such a polite tone, Botin gave a cheery laughter. I see, I see! So, what is it you wanted me to do? Did you want me to help you in your fisticuffs with Alda? Was there something that made you so certain that I would become Vidas ally? she questioned, as if testing him.

If she were to be perfectly honest, Botin had no intention to complain about the events that had taken place after she was sealed away, the events leading up to the war between Vida and Alda a hundred thousand years ago. Not the fact that the champion she had chosen was destroyed, not the state the world had been in when Bellwood and the other remaining champions defeated the Demon King, and not the discord that had occurred between Vida and Alda after that.

The G.o.ds were the ones who had chosen their champions, and the loss of four of the champions was the G.o.ds failure.

Following that, when the remaining three champions fought at the forefront, the G.o.ds were the ones at fault for being unable to point out strategic errors.

And in the end, when the rift between Vida and Alda grew to the point of no return, Botin had been inside this seal due to her own lack of strength.

Did such powerless G.o.ds have the right to complain about anything?

To begin with, the G.o.ds were irresponsible and shameless from the very moment when, with their world on the verge of destruction, they asked mortals from another, completely unrelated world to fight for them.

If Botin and the other G.o.ds were truly worthy G.o.ds, they would never have had to choose champions in the first place. They would have repelled the Demon King Guduraniss army on their own.

But the reality was that they had chosen to do this irresponsible and shameless thing for the sake of the continued existence of this world. That was how desperate they had been.

That was why Botin had no intention to complain. She could not claim that she was the only one in a desperate situation.

Bellwood and Aldas blunders were also because they had been in desperate situations.

Its not something that made me feel certain, but there is a girl among my companions who received a Divine Message from Peria. I followed that Divine Message to reach this place, said Vandalieu.

Ah, I know about that. I learned it just now, in fact. Im grateful that you undid the seal. I really am. If you didnt, Id probably have stayed sealed away for another hundred thousand years or more, said Botin.

This much was undeniable not that Botin intended to deny it, but it was a fact. It was such a great favor that, under normal circ.u.mstances, she would grant her savior her divine protection, a t.i.tle, and dozens of weapons that she made herself, and it would still not be enough to repay her debt.

Vandalieu had resurrected a great G.o.d by undoing a seal that Alda had not been able to put a single scratch on for over a hundred thousand years. To say that it was a great deed that would leave a mark on history would be an understatement.

But that doesnt necessarily mean that Im going to become an ally of Vida and fight against Alda. Nor does it mean that I will approve of every aspect of the way your nation is, said Botin. My great savior, would you permit me to express my opinion?

I am humble and listening.

To put it briefly or rather, to be frank, it seems to me that you are in a state of peril despite the fact that in that nation of yours, your continued existence is necessary for the Undead and Monsters to retain their ability to reason.

The reason given by Botin was the same one given by the Blue-flamed Sword Heinz.

Mmm, thats painful criticism, said Vandalieu, accepting these words without opposing them this time now that they were being spoken by Botin, and not the murderer of his mother.

In truth, Vandalieu was aware that the current Demon Empire of Vidal, whose citizens included Undead and certain kinds of monsters, was entirely dependent on his existence.

That was why he grew strong so that he would not die, and why he killed enemies so that he would not be killed by them, but he was also aware that when he fought with his full strength, he often did so in a way that caused injury to himself.

That and other factors made it seem to Botin and the other G.o.ds that Vandalieu was in a state of peril in a variety of ways, but there was nothing that could be done about that.

Though Botin was concerned about whether things would be alright in the future, there was nothing he could do to fix or stop the current situation. Even if he replied that it was fine because this was the way things were, Botin would not be convinced by this, so he didnt know what to do.

I would at least like you to not become an ally of Alda, Vandalieu said.

Though Vandalieu didnt think it was likely, if Botin were to become an ally of Alda, that would mean that he had made this plan spanning over half a year just for him to gain one more enemy.

He wanted to avoid this, but

Hmm? Dont be ridiculous. Youll find me dead before you see me being a friend of Aldas, Botin said simply.

Huh?

What do you mean, huh. It goes without saying, doesnt it? Its true that I might have been on Aldas side a hundred thousand years ago. I might have done things like scolding Vida for what she did and trying to placate Alda to not be so hasty. But given how Alda has been from the beginning of his war against Vida up until now, there isnt a single reason for me to be an ally of his.

Until the war between Vida and Alda began, Botin wouldnt have been able to say which of them was in the right. After all, everyone had lacked power and everyone had been wrong, including Botin herself.

But from the point where the war between the two G.o.ds began, it was simple. Alda was clearly at fault.

I would never have agreed to begin a deadly war when Vida and those on her side had no intention of fighting. No matter how rash Vidas actions were, they were not such a great problem that the world would be destroyed if we did not stop her as soon as possible, said Botin.

From her perspective, it was Alda who was at fault for striking the first blow.

Vida had turned Zakkart into an Undead, and created a variety of new races including Vampires and Ghouls. Botin was aware that Alda was very displeased with this.

At the time, most Undead were enemies of the living, with perhaps one exception in a trillion, and Alda had also been opposed to Zakkarts act of accepting some of the evil G.o.ds of the Demon Kings army as allies.

But that wasnt a reason for him to begin a war. The Demon King had been sealed away, so they could have taken some more time to talk things out perhaps even a century or two.

And Alda had committed errors as well. The champions were supposed to teach and guide the people, and yet he had allowed them to behave recklessly, and he should have given more respect to Vidas words.

And the fact that hes trying to exterminate the new races doesnt sit well with me! I dont really approve of Vidas way of thinking, but exterminating her races still doesnt sit well with me! Botin said heatedly.

Why is that? Vandalieu asked.

Its obvious, isnt it?! Im a mother-G.o.ddess, you know? Theres no way I could accept exterminating entire races, no matter the good or evil of it, no matter what circ.u.mstances there may or may not be!

Botin was a great G.o.d of the earth attribute, and a G.o.ddess who ruled over craftsmen and mothers. To her, exterminating a child that had been born was an unforgivable sin, no matter the circ.u.mstances.

This was one of her qualities as a G.o.d, something that even she herself could not change.

But even G.o.ds were far from all-knowing and all-powerful, and mortals were even more powerless than them. Botin knew that their societies were not perfect. That didnt mean that she tolerated all conflicts between mortals unconditionally, but she would watch and not intervene as long as they had the will to atone for their sins.

But Alda was a G.o.d, not a mortal.

I would keep my distance from mortals, but there is no reason for me to do so with Alda, as were both great G.o.ds. Of course, I have a word or two for that fool Zantark, and Vida, too, said Botin.

I see.

Vandalieu was convinced by this explanation. He understood that G.o.ds ruled over different things and preached different doctrines, so they each had different standards by which they decided whether things were acceptable or not.

Not a single one of Botins subordinate G.o.ds had interjected in their conversation thus far. Their frozen thinking had only just been unfrozen, so they were currently focused on organizing the information that had just entered their minds, and all of them were in agreement with her, so there was no need for them to speak.

What happened after the war doesnt sit well with me either. Its true that the world has made a great recovery in the past hundred thousand years. There were all kinds of oversights here and there, but Ive only just woken from a slumber, so it isnt like I can talk, said Botin. However I do have to question the fact that people have been in continued conflict with Vidas races for the past hundred thousand years. Youd have to be truly hopeless if even

I

think that youre too stubborn. Its unbelievable.

Botin was stubborn and conservative, just like the Dwarves. But even from her perspective, Aldas behavior was absurd.

But thats probably just him being fl.u.s.tered and acting rashly, resulting in him becoming more close-minded and unable to see anything other than his own thoughts Why does he trust Rodcorte so much? Even if Rodcorte does today the same as he did yesterday, there is no guarantee that he will do the same again tomorrow. Or perhaps Alda is under the a.s.sumption that he is left with no other choice?

Botin contemplated.

Well, thats how it is, she said in conclusion. But I cant approve of everything about you. So, because youre in a state of peril, I shall be your ally.

Vandalieu was extremely confused by this. I dont see the connection between the first part and the second part of that.

Do you not? I thought this would be the most effective way to go about things with someone like you.

The events of the past and the current situation didnt sit well with Botin, and there were many things that she could not approve of. But conflict was not the only available option in the world. Standing in opposition to each other and shouting at one another was one option, but there was also the option of standing alongside one another while exchanging opinions.

Botin had decided quite a while ago that this would be the most effective option to take in dealing with Vandalieu.

Plus, since it seems that youre in a state of peril to me, I just need to support you. Even though Ive been sleeping for the past hundred thousand years, Im still a G.o.d, you know. Youre a mortal, so Ill lend you a hand or a shoulder whenever you need it, Botin said.

Her answer to Vandalieus state of peril was to lend him her strength. Rather than oppose him due to his situation, she would lend him her strength because of it.

After all, Botin was a G.o.d. She was fully accustomed to mortals praying to her for help when they were in trouble.

But keep in mind that Im not becoming an ally of Vida or fighting against Alda. Im just supporting you as a G.o.d should. Understood? she said, touching Vandalieus soul, whose appearance could only be described as grotesque, as if patting a childs head.

I understand, I think. Thank you, said Vandalieu.

But it was at this point that some of Botins subordinate G.o.ds began to voice their objections.

Please wait! This decision is too hasty. The thoughts of our wors.h.i.+ppers alone do not give us an understanding of the G.o.ds situation.

We should speak with Alda-dono and the others first!

Indeed, the information they had learned from their wors.h.i.+ppers thoughts told them nothing of what Alda and his allies were thinking or what their current situation was. Vandalieu had come to meet Botin directly, but it was entirely reasonable to suggest it would be unwise to make a decision after hearing only his side of the story.

But Botin shook her head. I dont want to do that. As he is now, I dont think well be able to have any kind of discussion. And seeing his face will probably make me want to punch it. I dont think Ill be able to agree with what hes doing anyway, no matter what his circ.u.mstances are.

P-please do not say such things Alda-dono is your brother, is he not, Honorable Mother! one of the subordinate G.o.ds protested.

Impossible. This is my nature as a G.o.d, Botin said simply.

What are you saying Are you not just being biased to that mortal because his soul contains the remains of Hillwillows?! the subordinate G.o.d shouted accusingly, denouncing this decision.

Botin nodded. I am. Whats wrong with that?

Huh? the subordinate G.o.d uttered, taken aback.

One of the other subordinate G.o.ds, who had remained silent up until now, put a hand on his shoulder and made him step back.

Did you think that G.o.ds are fair and impartial beings? That is a misunderstanding, Botin said.

G.o.ds had their biases. They granted their divine protections to a handful of individuals among those they had taken a liking to, those who were exceptionally talented, or those that were devoted to them, and they did not grant their divine protections to those not among these individuals.

To begin with, each G.o.d ruled over different things and taught different doctrines; they had different standards by which they measured and decided what was good and evil. That fact alone meant that they were not impartial or anything of the sort.

The remains of the soul of the champion Botin had chosen now resided in Vandalieu. That was more than enough of a reason for her to grant him her divine protection.

Although you are subordinate G.o.ds, you dont actually have to be in service to me. If you truly detest this child no matter what anyone says, then it cannot be helped, Botin said. But I just have one little request. Please dont make this child Please dont make me your enemy.

These words sent violent tremors through the subordinate G.o.ds who had voiced their objections. They were a declaration that her previous statement of being neither an ally of Vida nor an enemy of Alda was merely for the sake of appearances. And they were also a declaration that any ally of Alda would be seen as an enemy of hers, even if they were her own subordinate G.o.ds.

If you

still

insist on taking Aldas side, at least make sure you have the willpower to convince him or do whatever is needed to make him stop seeing Vida as an enemy, Botin continued. If you can do that, then I wont stop you.

The subordinate G.o.ds dropped their shoulders and stepped back. Vandalieu watched them, but did nothing, allowing Botin to save face.

Now then, to thank you for removing this seal, Id like to grant you a divine protection and t.i.tle

Ah, would you mind refraining from giving me a t.i.tle? Vandalieu interjected. I already have quite a lot of them Too many, honestly. Theres enough statues, wall paintings, and drawings on the ground of me as it is.

It seems that youre wors.h.i.+ped more than I am. But I think thats even more of a reason for me to give you a t.i.tle. After all, youll probably get a new t.i.tle anyway after word gets around that you freed me from the seal. With that being the case, wouldnt it be better to accept a t.i.tle from me now so that you can at least choose what it is?

Ordinarily, t.i.tles were chosen not by the owner of the t.i.tle, but by the ma.s.ses that used the t.i.tle. And in many cases, not everyone used the same t.i.tle at first.

For example, if there was a swordsman who achieved something great, some might call him the Strongest Swordsman, to praise his strength while others might call him the Fastest Swordsman to praise his speed. Others still might praise him for his appearance, or the fort.i.tude and valor he displayed in achieving his great feat.

It wasnt the G.o.ds who ruled over the Status System that determined which of those t.i.tles would be displayed on his Status. His Status would simply display the t.i.tle that had the most support.

Thus, it was impossible for anyone to know what t.i.tle would be displayed on their Status until it happened.

However, that wasnt true when the t.i.tle in question was granted by someone who was greatly influential such as the ruler of a nation, or a G.o.d. When a t.i.tle was granted through such authority, the ma.s.ses would use the t.i.tle that had been granted.

I see. Then yes, please give me a t.i.tle, Vandalieu said, changing his mind after hearing this explanation.

Then lets make it Liberator of G.o.ddesses, shall we? You freed Vida as well, so its not too grand a t.i.tle for you. And lets add Great Demon King while were at it. Having the same Demon King t.i.tle as Guduranis doesnt leave a great impression.

I get the feeling that it doesnt make a lot of difference but thank you.

And this one is a request from me, but will you take up the name of another champion will you take up Hillwillows name, as you have taken Zakkarts? As a middle name, you know.

Vandalieu had been reincarnated too many times since Hillwillows death to really be called a reincarnation of Hillwillow. And although he was a descendant of Zakkart, who was one of the parents of the Vampire ancestor, not a drop of Hillwillows blood ran through his veins.

But even so, Botin could not help herself from making this request.

Sensing the emotion behind Botins words, Vandalieu nodded.

If youre sure that I am worthy of it, he said.

He had already taken the name of one champion. Taking the name of a second didnt bother him at all.

I cant thank you enough for everything. Thank you, said Botin. Now then, I think its time you went back outside. Your body and clones will work faster if the soul is working with them, wont they?

Vandalieus soul and physical body vanished silently presumably, they had gone back outside the seal.

As if replacing him, a familiar face appeared.

Bo the familiar figure began to speak.

But Botin cut him off with a spirited battle cry as she punched this familiar face. She had the feeling that he was trying to say something but gave him no chance to do so; she sank her fist into his cheek and followed through on her punch to complete the motion.

The subordinate G.o.ds began shouting in alarm.

Zantark-sama has been sent flying!

H-honorable Mother! Please calm yourself, Honorable Mother! Although he seems to have combined with various things, it is likely Zantark-sama!

Madness! Botin-sama has gone mad!

The subordinate G.o.ds that had remained silent while Vandalieu was here all began trying to suppress Botin. In this, they were united and acting as one.

Im well aware of who it is! Botin said angrily.

Dragging the subordinate G.o.ds that were grappling with her to hold her back, she turned to face her brothers and sisters that had appeared in this s.p.a.ce.

Wow Zantark came prepared, but he became a ragdoll in an instant, said Zuruwarn, the G.o.d of s.p.a.ce and Creation, astounded by Botins strike.

I would like you to show some restraint. We would certainly like to avoid Zantark being forced into a slumber by your hand, said Ricklent, the Genie of Time and Magic, expressionless as ever.

Umm Im sorry! said Vida, the G.o.ddess of Life and Love, bowing her head.

In Lambdas mythology, Zantark was regarded as Botins husband, with whom she had given birth to the Dwarf race.

Botin smiled at Vida her sister who had mated with Zantark to create the Majin and Kijin races.

And then she strongly pinched both her cheeks.

Ow, ow, ow! Tha urts! Vida cried out in pain.

There. Alright, I forgive you! said Botin.

Hyuh? Reay? said Vida in surprise.

Botin let go of her cheeks and nodded with a laugh. Its fine, alls forgiven. I know that there were all kinds of circ.u.mstances.

If Botin were to keep arguing with Vida and Zantark, its possible that it would cause problems for Vidas races. It is not her intention to make the Majin and Kijin feel shame for that, I suppose, said Ricklent.

The concept of marriage was pretty vague back then, anyway. And according to myths and legends, pairing was quite different for us G.o.ds, said Zuruwarn.

Ricklent and Zuruwarn had been in a state of slumber at the time Vida mated with Zantark; they were discussing it in a matter-of-fact manner as if it had nothing to do with them.

You two havent changed, always saying unnecessary things but, well, youre completely right. Ive punched Zantark and pinched Vidas cheeks, but Im not truly angry. And thats that for this topic, said Botin, shaking Vidas hand. It seems like youve had a tough time, too, she said, looking in the direction Zantark had flown.

Thanks, Botin, groaned the G.o.d of war, who was struggling to get back on his feet.

Ricklent couldnt help but mutter pitiful under his breath.

Leaving that aside, lets talk about the fact that youve all come here at a time like this. Surely you didnt come here just to say h.e.l.lo to an old friend? said Botin.

Of course not. In its intact state, this seal would be utterly untouchable from the inside or outside by anyone other than Vandalieu Ark Zakkart, but now that a tear has been made, we are able to a.s.sist in undoing it, said Ricklent.

The seal in which Guduranis sealed Botin and her subordinates had been so perfect that neither Alda nor Bellwood had been able to make a mark on it, and it had even shut out the effects of the dense miasma of the Demon Kings Continent. But as Ricklent said, there was now a tear in it, large enough for the great G.o.ds to enter.

Now, it was possible for them to undo the seal.

Botin gave a quizzical frown. Vandalieu Ark? Dont you mean Vandalieu Hillwillow Zakkart?

I acknowledge that he has agreed to take the names of other champions. Thus, he will likely agree to taking Arks name as well, not just Hillwillows, said Ricklent.

I mean, I did ask him to do that, but youre just going to jump on the bandwagon, then?! Is this normal?! Botin exclaimed, surprised at Ricklent doing this without even asking for Vandalieus consent.

Still expressionless, Ricklent nodded. Now is not the time to be quibbling amongst ourselves. Vandalieus companions are in the midst of battle, at this very moment.

This was his manner of speaking.

I should have punched you along with Zantark, Botin muttered in complaint.

But Ricklent spoke the truth, so she and her subordinate G.o.ds gathered their strength to help undo the seal as well.

But if we do that, then poor Solder will be left out, wont she? said Vida as she put her strength into attacking the seal as well.

With Vandalieus power, the wall of Mana was melting, and a large fissure appeared in the seal that was now starting to become undone.

I dont think we need to be concerned about that. Shes a tough one, said Botin.

And with a noise that sounded like a porcelain piece being broken, the seal was undone and Botin was freed.

Your name has changed to Vandalieu Ark Hillwillow Solder Zakkart!

You have acquired the Liberator of G.o.ddesses t.i.tle!

The Demon King t.i.tle has become Great Demon King!